The trial of Mark Warona Zinde, the son of former SABC board member Hope Zinde, has been postponed until the 3rd of June this year for further psychiatric treatment at Weskoppies Mental Health Facility.
The trial was supposed to take place in June 2017, however he was re-admitted to a facility for psychiatric evaluation. He is accused of killing his mother and stuffed her body in a boot of her luxury vehicle in June 2016.
Making his court appearance on Monday, Warona Zinde was ushered into the courtroom by a police officer. He was warmly dressed and had a blanket in his hands. He appeared very quiet and unaware of his surroundings. The police officer had to guide him to the accused box.
The trial is now delayed for the third time since 23 year old Warona Zinde was arrested two years ago.
The accused allegedly killed his 50-year-old mother at their home in Pecanwood Estate, in Hartbeespoort Dam, near Brits in the North West in June 2016.
His lawyer, Gerhard Landman told the high court in Pretoria his client urgently needs medical attention. “In our view and that of our psychiatric the accused is not fit to stand trial and that’s why he’s going to be referred for the third time for further observation and evaluation. And only after that a decision would be made whether he’s fit to stand trial or not.”
Zinde is facing a charge of murder and one of possession of drugs.
During the arrest police discovered the body of Zinde’s mother stuffed inside the boot of her luxury vehicle, which was parked in the garage.
His grandmother Audry Zinde who was present at court with other relatives is concerned about her grandson’s health condition. “Warona’s not well; I mean I am his grandmother. That child is totally not well. We go there to see him and we sit for an hour and he won’t talk he would rather laugh. He is not well.”
Psychiatric expert, Dr John Weinkove shares similar sentiments. He’s equally of the view that Zinde be admitted for further treatment.
“I asked the judge to send him immediately to hospital and they’ve ignored me, this man is very seriously ill, doesn’t know what they are doing. I am shock and horrified.”
The court has ordered that Zinde be moved from Newlock Correctional facility to the Kgosi Manpuru Prsion in the hospital section while he waits to be accommodated at Weskoppies Mental Hospital in Pretoria.
His bail remains suspended. This is after he assaulted his father Lesley Manoto while out on R10 000.
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