KEY POINTS
- Nzimande is accused of brutally murdering his 80-year-old grandmother.
- The murder was allegedly premeditated, with the victim decapitated.
- Nzimande seeks to plead guilty but must follow legal procedures.
A 32-year-old Pinetown man has informed the Durban High Court that he wishes to enter a guilty plea to the charges of killing his 80-year-old grandmother and kicking her skull around like a soccer ball.
Nzimande faces charges for allegedly killing his grandmother
This week, Thabo Ntokozo Nzimande appeared in court for the first time. According to the State, Nzimande assaulted his grandmother, Beatrice DeLange, at their Maurice Nicholas Road apartment on June 7, 2024. According to the State, Nzimande repeatedly attacked her with a knife in the stomach and chest before beheading her.
According to the State’s accusation, “a subsequent post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be multiple penetrating injuries and decapitation.”
Additionally, the State claims that the murder was planned. Nzimande raised his hand to indicate his intention to enter a guilty plea as the court procedures got underway. Judge Mfuniselwa Nkosi, however, counseled him to speak with his attorney and adhere to the correct protocol.
Court evaluates Nzimande’s mental fitness to stand trial
According to Iol, a district surgeon at RK Khan Hospital assessed Nzimande following his arrest in June 2024 and determined that he was not competent to stand trial. The report suggested more psychological testing.
Nzimande was also diagnosed with substance-induced psychotic condition and bipolar mood disorder, according to the report. The surgeon noted that Nzimande had a history of substance addiction, including cocaine, alcohol, and cannabis, and that he had suffered two head injuries as a child. Nzimande could not account for himself and could not recall the episode, according to the surgeon.
Nonetheless, Nzimande was deemed competent to stand trial by Pietermaritzburg’s Fort Napier Hospital. The panel from the hospital, which comprised two medical professionals who conducted independent examinations on him, concluded that there was not enough information to evaluate Nzimande’s mental condition at the time of the accused offense.
He was subjected to neurological and physical examinations, psychiatric interviews, and urine drug testing during the observation period. The psychiatric nursing staff maintained a close watch on him. There was no psychiatric diagnosis. According to the report, “the accused is not mentally ill and is capable of instructing his lawyer and following court proceedings.”
When authorities saw Nzimande wearing clothing smeared with blood, they arrested him on the spot. DeLange’s head was located in the lounge, while her body was found in the bedroom.
Next month, the case will continue.
