Cape Town - A man accused of murdering a 16-year-old girl appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on Thursday, Western Cape police said.
The 48-year-old man's case was postponed to January 24 for further investigation and preparations for a bail application. He remained in custody, said Captain Frederick van Wyk.
Charmaine Mare was reported missing on January 11. Her family had gone on holiday and left her with the man, who was the boyfriend of one of her relatives, but she was not there when they got back.
On Monday, a passer-by found the burnt body of an unknown woman in Darwin Street, Kraaifontein. Her legs and arms had been cut off.
Van Wyk said after searching the missing persons' database, police linked the body to Mare. The family identified her necklace and tongue ring.
“When detectives questioned the family, the same boyfriend was also present. He was very vague with his answers, while the rest of the family was very helpful with their answers,” he said.
Police searched the family's cars and the veld near where Mare's body was found. Her arms were found inside the garage of a house. - Sapa