Zinde back in hospital

The Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital has requested another month to further observe murder-accused Mark Zinde, pictured, who is suspected of killing his TV personality mom, Hope Zinde.

The accused’s lawyer, Francois Joubert, told the High Court in Pretoria yesterday his client could not appear because he was still under observation.

The state alleges Zinde killed his 50-year-old mother at their home in Pecanwood Estate, Hartbeespoort Dam, near Brits. Her body was found on June 11, 2016, inside the boot of her car.

Zinde was arrested soon after that and relatives insisted he be sent for psychiatric evaluation.

The initial assessment report from the hospital declared that the accused was fit to stand trial and was capable of understanding court proceedings. The report further stated the 23-year-old Zinde did not suffer from any mental disorder.

Yesterday, Joubert told the court his troubled client was in hospital. He was readmitted at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria, where he remains under mental observation.

The accused, who has made numerous court appearances, was released on R10 000 bail in September last year, but was rearrested in November, after he allegedly beat up his father, Dr Lebohang Manoto, at his Walkerville home, south of Johannesburg.

Zinde has been charged with murder, drug possession, assault, and attempted murder. – ANA