In a dramatic turn of events, the 28-year-old man on trial for the brutal murder of 16-year-old Franziska Blochliger has admitted to raping and murdering her on Tuesday in the Western Cape High Court.
Howard Oliver originally pleaded not guilty to rape and murder and only admitted to robbing her of cellphone.
Shortly after Oliver's trial started, his defence attorney Ken Klopper withdrew himself from the case.
At the time, Klopper told the Western Cape High Court his defence had been based on a “scenario” given to him by his client.
Klopper said that after consulting with Oliver, a new scenario was given and was subsequently ethically obliged to withdraw his legal representation in this matter.
Klopper was replaced by Henk Carstens.
Franziska was murdered and raped on March 7, 2016, in the Tokai Forest in Cape Town. She was also robbed of a cellphone, diamond ring and earphones.
The State has asked the court for a life sentence for Franziska's rape and murder, and an additional fifteen years for robbery under aggravated circumstances.
Judgement is expected tomorrow.