A man is standing trial for the alleged murder of his grandmother in Pinetown, South Africa. Thabo Nzimande, aged 32, is accused of stabbing Beatrice de Lange multiple times before decapitating her. According to reports, he then proceeded to kick her severed head around like a football. Nzimande was apprehended the day after the 80-year-old woman was discovered brutally killed in her residence, with bloodstained clothes in his possession.

Legal proceedings have encountered delays due to the departure of the Legal Aid attorney representing the suspect. The state has rejected the plea presented by the defense, leading to the commencement of the trial. Ziningi Myaka, the victim’s daughter, recounted the circumstances that led to her mother’s tragic demise.

Myaka revealed that they confronted Nzimande about his actions, to which he responded, “I had to do it.” She explained that her mother had been providing constant care for her nephew, believing it would be challenging for Myaka to look after him full-time due to her work commitments. Describing Nzimande as resistant to criticism, Myaka recounted an incident where he angrily confronted her during a counseling session, insulting her.

The deceased grandmother had been supportive of Nzimande, buying him clothes and covering his school fees. Their relationship soured over a disputed drug test result, with Nzimande reportedly experiencing hallucinations and seeking treatment for psychosis. Myaka expressed regret for not recognizing her mother’s distress earlier and detailed how she had tried to assist Nzimande with various tasks, including painting at their home.

Under questioning, Myaka explained the delay in providing a second statement to the police, attributing it to the process of comprehending the tragic events and their impact. She reflected on her efforts to secure a better future for Nzimande, including offering to contribute towards lobola for his romantic aspirations.

Nzimande initially expressed a desire to plead guilty to the murder during a previous court appearance. However, the trial was adjourned to allow further consultation between Nzimande and his legal representative. Subsequently, the attorney decided to cease representing Nzimande due to conflicting instructions received from the suspect. The trial is ongoing.