ATHLONE - A neighbour arrested for kidnapping and killing 8-year-old Lukhololwam Mkontwana will not apply for bail.
Aphiwe Vakele (31) faces a premeditated murder charge at the Athlone Magistrate's Court.
The state says cell phone records and DNA link him to the crime committed in 2022.
The case was postponed to 14 March for further investigations.
READ: Crime in SA | What is driving South Africa's murder rate?
Crime fighters and community members from Nyanga who filled the court to capacity say they’re happy with the arrest, though they're asking for more details as they believe Vakele was not working alone.
The court says Vakele is facing a Schedule 6 charge and that DNA and a post-mortem have been carried out.
They're awaiting statements from other witnesses as another suspect will be arrested in due course.
Vakele remains in custody until his next court appearance.
* eNCA’s Nobesuthu Hejana reports.