The man accused of murdering 14-year-old Likhona Fose appeared in a packed courtroom at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on June 11.

Fose’s mutilated body was discovered in a veld near her home in Durban Deep on June 1.

Mduduzi Trevor Mnisi (39) walked from the holding area up the stairs and took his place in the dock.

Also read: Suspect arrested in 14-year-old’s murder case

This was Mnisi’s second court appearance after his arrest on Monday, June 9. His initial appearance on Tuesday was postponed due to an electricity outage, much to the disappointment of the gathered Gauteng Gender Based Violence Brigade and ANC Women’s League members who had come to court to protest.

Magistrate Anneline Africa, through an interpreter, explained the proceedings to the accused, who indicated that his home language was isiZulu. She postponed the case to Wednesday, June 18, for the bail application to be heard.

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The State indicated that bail would be opposed. Mnisi remains in custody.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lt Col Mavela Masondo, said that Mnisi was arrested after an investigation by the police’s Occult Unit following Likhona’s body being discovered by a passer-by in a veld.

Outside the court, police had blocked off Meyer Street at both Rex and Dieperink streets in anticipation of community protests and maintained a strong police presence throughout the proceedings.

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Immediately after the court proceedings, a group of women gathered in front of the court building on Meyer Street, protesting peacefully. They dispersed shortly after.