The murder case of a woman who was found hanging from a tree in South Africa will be moved to a higher court, due to the seriousness of the allegations.

Tshegofatso Pule's death made local and international headlines after her body was found hanging from a tree in June.

The 28-year-old was eight months pregnant and had been stabbed multiple times.

Her alleged killer, Muzikayise Malephane, a 31-year-old, appeared in a Johannesburg magistrates court on Thursday.

He is facing a charge of pre-meditated murder.

The matter has been postponed until 29 September to allow for the prosecution’s team to complete their investigations and finalise their witness list.

More arrests are likely, local authorities have said.

Ms Pule’s death led to a nationwide outcry at the brutality faced by South African woman.

At the time President Cyril Ramaphosa described gender-based violence as “the shame of the nation” and called for men to play their part in keeping women safe.

The motive for the murder is not yet known and her alleged killer is yet to plead. He will be remanded in custody.