Johannesburg - The date for murder-accused Sandile Mantsoe's trial has been set for March 5, 2018 in the Johannesburg High Court.
Mantsoe is on trial for the murder of his lover Karabo Mokoena, whom he is accused of burning and then burying in a shallow grave in Lyndhurst.
He faces charges of premeditated murder, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.
Mantsoe, 27, was in June denied bail and he remains behind bars at the Johannesburg Prison.
The matter has since been moved from the magistrate's court to the High Court, where the murder trial will take place.
A picket meanwhile, had been scheduled to take place outside the court in support of Mokoena and her family.
After much delay, a calm looking Mantsoe finally made his appearance before Judge Dimpheletse Moshidi, sporting a grey poloneck and scarf.
An unfazed Mantsoe listened on as the State set out the agreed date for the trial to commence, on March 5.
Mantsoe's lawyer Advocate Victor Simelane concurred with the date set.
Moshidi then agreed to postpone the matter to 2018.
Both Mokoena and Mantsoe's families were present to witness the brief court proceedings.