Man in court for Anika Smit's brutal murder

Andreas Johannes van Wyk handed himself over to police at the weekend, reportedly confessing to her murder.

Van Wyk has been charged with murder, rape and the mutilation of Smit's body.

Smit's body was found in her father's house in Theresa Park in Pretoria six years ago.

Her throat was slit and both her hands chopped off. 

Smit's boyfriend, Nico Venter, was accused of her murder, but the charges were later withdrawn. 

He joined family and friends in the packed public gallery on Monday.

"I'm glad he came forward. Hopefully now nobody that's innocent will be arrested. We can bring this to a closing," Venter said.

He said he did not recognise Van Wyk.

"I don't recognise him. I don't know if I've maybe seen him before, but I don't recognise him today."

Van Wyk was remanded in custody and will be back in court on Monday.