Durban - The man accused of abducting and murdering Durban North woman Siam Lee made his first appearance in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Cebolenkosi Gift Philani Ntuli was remanded into custody shortly after appearing.
The state indicated that he will face nine counts related to Lee's death.
While journalists clambered for space to get a photograph of the 29-year-old man, he stared ahead as details of the case were read out into court record.
Ntuli is believed to have abducted Lee from outside her Margaret Maytom Avenue workplace on January 4. An extensive search was launched for Lee and what is believed to be her charred body, was discovered in a secluded area of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands almost a week after her disappearance.
Read:
Ntuli, a biochemist and businessman, was nabbed outside his home in Assagay, Hillcrest. Police also recovered the black Mercedes Vito, allegedly used to abduct Lee. Police also recovered a firearm and Ntuli's cellphone which allegedly had Lee's details stored on it.
Also read:
His arrest was thanks to a tip off by an informant, which led Brad Nathanson, a private investigator, to the house in Hillcrest. Ntuli faces a charges of kidnap, rape and murder.
He is due back in court next month where he is expected to make a formal bail application.