The trial of Thabo Ntokozo Theodore Nzimande (32), accused of murdering and decapitating his 80-year-old grandmother, resumed in the Durban High Court yesterday.

According to Highway Mail, Nzimande has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Beata Beatrice de Lange, stating that on the night in question he had smoked cannabis and overdosed on prescription pills before passing out. He claims he is unaware of what happened to his grandmother or the bloodied granny flat, which first police officers found in disarray.

Unusual case, says investigating officer

Detective Sergeant Noelin Chetty of Pinetown SAPS described the matter as ‘a very unusual case’ during his testimony.

Through his defence attorney, Emmanuel Chiliza, Nzimande denied telling police that he was unsuccessful in life because his grandmother had failed to perform certain rituals for him, but agreed he had said voices had instructed him on what to do.

Chetty told the court that Nzimande allegedly made these statements while being taken to Fort Napier Hospital last year for a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation.

Bloodstained interview

The court also heard that Nzimande was interviewed in police holding cells a day after De Lange’s murder, still wearing bloodstained clothes.

De Lange was killed on June 7, 2024, at the Pinetown property of Nzimande’s uncle, John Ngcobo.

Family rifts emerge

The defence argued that the state is attempting to portray a strained relationship between De Lange and Nzimande.

Ngcobo and his son, Zwelethu, the accused’s cousin, testified that the relationship had deteriorated towards the end of De Lange’s life.

The court heard that Nzimande’s alleged behaviour, including theft, excessive drinking and drug use, had caused a family rift, with De Lange supporting his rehabilitation efforts.

Disputed ancestral claims

Nzimande also denied shouting that his ancestors had ‘instructed’ him to commit the murder at the time of his arrest.

The trial continues in court.

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