The accused – Jerome Moses, Jonathan Jonas and Daniel Easter – will now only face charges related to the murdered teenager’s stolen items.

The fourth accused, Howard Oliver, has had his case separated from the other three – and moved to the Western Cape High Court by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Goolam Bawa said on Wednesday that Oliver placed himself at the scene by admitting that he had robbed her for financial gain – and denied him bail, saying that he had failed to show exceptional circumstances requiring his release. The magistrate said that he was also of the opinion that Oliver was likely to commit another offence, should he be released.

“Further, the court finds that given the extended media coverage on this case, his release will erode public trust, especially considering the admissions that he has already made,” stated Bawa.

Moses, Jonas and Easter will appear in court on 17 February 2017. Oliver is expected to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on 3 February.

Blöchliger was murdered while jogging with her family through Tokai Forest on 7 March, 2016. She was 16 years old.