A man is facing trial for the alleged murder of his grandmother in Pinetown, South Africa. Thabo Nzimande, 32, stands accused of stabbing Beatrice de Lange multiple times before decapitating her. Reports suggest that he then used her head as a football before being apprehended the following day with bloodstained clothing.
Legal proceedings have been delayed due to the departure of the suspect’s Legal Aid attorney. The trial recently commenced, with Ziningi Myaka, the victim’s daughter, recounting the events leading up to her mother’s tragic demise. She revealed that Nzimande, who had a history of behavioral issues, had a confrontation with her after a counseling session, during which he displayed aggressive behavior.
The victim had been a pillar of support for her grandson, providing him with clothing and paying his school fees. Despite disagreements over a suspected drug test, she continued to support him. Nzimande had a history of mental health issues, including hallucinations and psychosis.
In her testimony, Mrs. Myaka expressed regret for not recognizing the signs of her mother’s distress earlier. She recalled offering Nzimande opportunities for a better future, including assisting him with painting tasks. The trial was briefly adjourned for further consultation between Nzimande and his legal counsel, leading to the attorney’s decision to withdraw representation due to conflicting instructions from the defendant.
Nzimande had previously expressed a desire to plead guilty to the charges. The trial is ongoing as further legal proceedings take place.