Cuan Karelse (21), accused of killing a 57-year-old Standerton businesswoman Renee Lea, was refused bail in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Cout on Monday.

Karelse pleaded to be released on R1 000 bail so that he could take care of his pregnant girlfriend.

He was arrested in Moreleta Park in the east of Pretoria in August after being found driving a stolen Range Rover which belonged to the victim. Lea’s body was found wrapped in a carpet in the boot.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Karelse is facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition as well as murder.

State prosecutor Chris Maruma opposed the accused’s release on bail on the basis that he might evade trial. The court agreed that no exceptional circumstances exist to warrant his release.

Mahanjana said the matter was postponed to December 5, for further investigations.

According to the NPA, Karelse slipped into Lea’s home as she arrived in her vehicle on August 24.

“The accused tied her up, robbed her of her belongings, wrapped her in a carpet, put her in the boot of her car and drove with her to Pretoria,” said Mahanjana.

Lea’s daughter called her mother’s car tracking service provider when she could not reach her telephonically.

“The company located the car at a petrol station in Moreleta Park while the accused was inside the shop,” said Mahanjana.

The petrol attendants allegedly identified the accused as the person who was driving the vehicle and he was apprehended.

“When they opened the boot of the car the deceased body of Lea was found with cables around her neck and her mouth was covered with tape. Police were called and the accused was arrested,” Mahanjana said.