A MAN who suddenly started stabbing party-goers at an eSikhawini tent function in Decmber, wounding one victim fatally, was found fit to stand trial despite initial questions raised in court about his mental state.
Buhle Goodenough Magutshwa (20) appeared in the Richards Bay Regional Court for the murder of Sandile Mabika of Mabuyeni in an unprovoked incident, described by witnesses as ‘out of the blue’.
The court referred him to two psychiatrists for a preliminary report in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act to determine if he is able to comprehend the charge against him, follow court procedure and understand his lawyer to adequately conduct his defense.
His mother related previous incidents where the accused screamed and cried out for no reason and said he saw dead people, from whom he attempted to run away.
The family however attributed his behaviour to Satanism and consulted spiritual healers to seek a solution.
Magutshwa said he had no memory of the incident and said he only came to his senses after waking up in a cell with a severe ‘hangover’.
He was referred to Ford Napier for observation and admitted to sometimes smoking cannabis and drinking.
He also said he consumed alcohol prior to the attack.
The psychiatrists found no serious mental illness which could render Magutshwa unfit to stand trial and neurological examinations revealed no gross abnormalities.
The matter was remanded for his advocate to appear on 20 August.
