Former TV host Zinde’s body found in car boot
THE body of former SABC board member and breakfast TV host Hope Zinde was found in the boot of her car at an upmarket housing estate in Hartbeespoort yesterday.
North West police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said a 28-year-old man, believed to be a close relative, had been held for questioning. A murder docket has been opened.
Zinde was general manager of corporate affairs at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.
Police on the scene said it appeared Zinde had been murdered on Monday, according to the Kormorant, a Hartbeespoort community newspaper.
It reported that a family friend had tried unsuccessfully to contact Zinde since Wednesday. He went to her house yesterday, and found a family member peeping through the curtains, refusing to open the door.
He called the police, who entered the premises and noticed bloodstains leading from the bathroom to the garage. Zinde’s body was found in the boot of her Land Rover Discovery. The Kormorant said a bloodied 10kg weight was found in the bathroom and that police had confirmed a large amount of drugs had been found in the possession of the family member.
Majota “Phat Joe” Kambule, speaking for Zinde’s family, urged against speculation. “While the investigation ... is in progress, we ask for your support in allowing the authorities to do their work, and not speculate on the circumstances ... It offers us great comfort to witness how loved she was and the positive contribution she made to the lives of so many.”
Zinde rose as a broadcaster in the early 1990s. After 15 years at the SABC, as presenter, producer, and board member, she was voted off the board last year after refusing to back Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s appointment as chief operating officer.