Prosecutors are preparing to add more charges against Gautemalan Diego Dougherty Novella‚ who is accused of killing US businesswoman and girlfriend Gaby Alban in Cape Town.

Alban’s body was found at a luxury hotel in Camps Bay last week. Novella was arrested shortly thereafter – allegedly wandering on the beach.

The Guatemalan appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court this morning (Tuesday) but proceedings were postponed after his lawyer‚ William Booth‚ called on the National Prosecuting Authority to provide proof of how Novella is linked to Alban’s murder.

“We have not been provided with details linking Mr Novella [to] this matter‚’’ said Booth. “There has been speculation in the media and social media – one wonders where they got this information.’’

It has been reported that the death was the result of a “drugs and sex session” that went wrong. Alban was found dead with faeces on her head and a curling iron next to her body. Reports suggested that about a kilogram of cocaine was also found in the room‚ but Booth could not confirm this.

Novella‚ 41‚ who is so far facing a murder charge‚ appeared calm in the dock – dressed in a blue tracksuit and running shoes. He listened carefully as the Spanish interpreter translated proceedings for him.

State prosecutor Carmen Daniels said they are yet to receive the results of the post mortem.

“More charges could be added. The investigation is ongoing. The state is of the opinion that it has a prima facie (on face value) case against the accused‚’’ said Daniels‚ who also indicated that the state would oppose bail.

Novella is being held at Pollsmoor Prison and will appear in court again on Friday.