David van Boven and Tasliem Ambrose appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court today for the murder of Jesse Hess and her oupa Chris Lategan.
Wearing the same clothes as last week when he appeared at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court for the rape of a 16-year-old Hanover girl, Van Boven tried not to make eye contact with court-goers.
Van Bowen only looked at them after he was asked to lower his hoodie and in Afrikaans asked: "why do you want to see my face?"
Van Boven opted for a legal aid lawyer, while Ambrose said he would represent himself.
David van Boven and Tasliem Ambrose appeared at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court. Picture Shanice Naidoo
The duo are facing charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances and the State said further charges may be brought forward.
Van Boven was released on parole in December and has previous charges of rape and drug-related crimes.
Ambrose also has previous charges of drug-related crimes and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The case has been postponed to February 12, 2020, for further investigation.
Van Boven and Ambrose opted not to apply for bail and will remain in police custody. Van Boven was arrested last Wednesday for the rape of the 16-year-old girl and the two cases were linked by police.
Murder accused David van Boven.
He had allegedly been taken in for questioning before but was not arrested. Ambrose was arrested on Tuesday.
There was no sign of forced entry on the day of the murder.
Hess’s step-mother Audrey Hess said she had found her body and only a TV set, two cellphones, and Jesse's backpack was taken from the house.
Outside the court, supporters asked why this case was taking so long. "If the family had money, would it be faster?" a supporter asked.