In a recent development at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, the 21-year-old student accused of the heinous murder and rape of Johannesburg teacher Kirsten Kluyts has been denied bail. The accused, who remains unnamed until formally charged with rape, appeared in court on Friday.
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo delivered the ruling, stating that the defense failed to present exceptional circumstances justifying the release of the accused on bail. Kluyts, a 34-year-old teacher at Delta Park High, was discovered murdered at George Lea Recreational Park in Parkmore, Sandton, on October 29. The breakthrough in the case came on November 26, leading to the arrest of the suspect near the crime scene.
Initially, the accused denied involvement in the murder, claiming to have found the body and taken the victim’s clothes to avoid implicating himself. However, Prinsloo highlighted the State’s evidence, indicating that Kluyts suffered a brutal assault with a blunt object, suggesting potential strangulation or neck pressure.
Magistrate Prinsloo emphasized that the accused posed a danger to society, particularly to women. She noted his disposal of the victim’s clothing as an act to eliminate crucial evidence and his failure to report the discovery to the South African Police Services (SAPS), either directly or anonymously.
“The court is of the opinion the applicant took deliberate measures for protection, eliminating any evidence that could incriminate him,” stated Prinsloo. She concluded that, in the interest of justice, bail should be denied.
The defense plans to appeal the ruling. As the accused left the courtroom, he exchanged a handshake with his father.