Kimberley, Griquatown - A 16-year-old boy accused of murdering the Steenkamp family on their farm pleaded not guilty to three murder charges in the Kimberley High Court on Monday.
Prosecutor Hannes Cloete put five charges to the boy one by one.
The boy pleaded not guilty to all. They include a charge of rape and one of defeating the ends of justice.
The State confirmed that a Child Court was in session, which was confirmed by the boy's lawyer, Willem Coetzee. He submitted there was no plea explanation.
Earlier, Northern Cape Judge President Frans Kgomo allowed journalists from Media 24, Independent Newspapers, Central Media Group, SABC, and Sapa to be in court during the proceedings.
Cases involving minors are usually held in camera. The boy's trial was expected to start on Monday. He may not be identified.
The teenager was arrested for the murders of Northern Cape farmer Deon Steenkamp, 44, his wife Christelle, 43, and daughter Marthella, 14. They were shot on their farm Naauwhoek, near Griquatown, on April 6, 2012. - Sapa