Luyanda Botha, the 42-year-old accused of the brutal rape and murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, has appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. The media is now able to name him, as well as publish his picture as he has been legally named as the accused.

The previous court order imposing the ban has been lifted, as investigations into the murder that sparked international outrage and protests concluded.

Botha stands accused of raping and murdering the 19-year-old at the Clareinch Post Office in Claremont, where he was an employee, in the beginning of August. He also stands accused of defeating the ends of justice.

Botha, who resides in Khayelitsha, appeared in the dock, and tried to hide his face several times during his court appearance.

His case has been postponed until Thursday 7 November. He has not applied for bail.

Picture: Instagram/Uyinene Mrwetyana

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Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.