Johannesburg - Cypriot national George Louca, accused of killing Teazers strip club boss Lolly Jackson, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on the East Rand on Monday.
Magistrate Eric Mhlari postponed the matter to June 20 for further investigation.
Louca also faces charges of money laundering and possession of stolen goods.
The murder trial will be heard in the High Court in Johannesburg, and the other charges in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court.
Louca, wearing a black suit and white shirt, appeared calm and emotionless in the dock. He nodded in agreement when spoken to by an interpreter.
Four heavily-armed special task force members and several police officials accompanied Louca to the dock. Police searched journalists before they entered the courtroom.
Owen Blumberg, for Louca, asked to be granted private access to his client.
“Private access is a right,” he said.
His consultations with Louca were supervised by prison officials, apparently to ensure the Cypriot's safety. The supervised consultations would affect the quality of the defence and violate Louca's right to a fair trial, said Blumberg.
“I'm unable to formulate a defence,” he said.
Mhlari granted Blumberg's request for private access to Louca.
Prosecutor Paul Schutte did not object.
“I am indebted to you, your worship,” Blumberg said to Mhlari when his request was granted.
Louca returned to South Africa in February after losing a final appeal, the last of several attempts to avoid extradition. He left South Africa weeks after Jackson was murdered in Edenglen, east of Johannesburg, on May 3, 2010.
Shortly afterwards he reportedly phoned Gauteng crime intelligence boss Joey Mabasa and allegedly admitted to playing a role in the crime.
Police spokesman Lt-Gen Solomon Makgale said at the time the Hawks were investigating a number of other cases to which Louca could possibly be linked.
Louca has told media he does not believe he will receive a fair trial.
Sapa