Franziska murder-accused remanded in custody until April 5

Four men arrested in connection with the death of a teenager in Tokai Forest will remain behind bars until April 5.

The men appeared at Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Friday following the murder of Franziska Blochliger‚ 16‚ on March 7.

Three of the men are being held in connection with murder‚ rape‚ robbery with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The fourth was arrested for posession of stolen property - an iPhone and jewellery stolen from Franziska - but the state said it could not exclude any of the accused from the more serious charges.

The suspects‚ aged between 22 and 27‚ cannot be named until they have pleaded to the rape charges.

They are expected to apply for bail on April 5‚ and in the meantime they are being held in Pollsmoor Prison‚ less than a kilometre from where Franziska was killed.

Franziska‚ 16‚ from Muizenberg‚ was jogging in Tokai forest when she was killed.

Her iPhone‚ watch‚ headset and diamond ring were among the items stolen from her.

The four accused were arrested in Westlake the day after her murder when the stolen iPhone was activated in the area‚ allegedly when a man negotiating to buy it asked for proof that it was working.

When police arrived‚ community members pointed out known criminals they suspected of being involved in trying to sell the cellphone.