Brits - The arrested 28-year-old son of former SABC board member Hope Zinde, whose body was found in the boot of a car at the weekend, appeared briefly in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Mark Warona Zinde is facing a charge of murder and another of possession of illicit drugs.
The accused who was arrested at the weekend has his matter transferred to the Brits regional court, where he would appear on on Friday, 17 June 2016.
During the brief appearance on Monday, Magistrate Moses Maswanganyi ordered an inquiry into Mark Zinde’s mental capacity.
He is accused of killing his mother, Hope Zinde, 50, at their home in Pecanwood Estate near Hartbeespoort Dam in North West. He was also allegedly found in possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R350.
The body of media personality was found inside the boot of her car on Saturday, she was believed to have been killed days before.
North West police said Hope Zinde’s body was found after they received a report that she had not been seen for days.
“Upon arrival at the victim’s place, they found her son. On searching the place, they discovered the victim’s body inside the boot of her vehicle,” said Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.
Appearing in court, Mark Zinde who was dressed in navy jacket and a pair of jeans walked slowly with his hands in his pockets. He told the court that he did not need an interpreter because he speaks English.
While he seemed to be listening attentively Mark Zinde appeared confused when the charges against him were read. He did not make any eye contact with his relatives in the gallery.
“Your case is transferred to the regional court. You will appear in the regional court on Friday, there is no bail you are in custody,” Magistrate Maswanganyi told the accused.
“Thank you,” replied Mark Zinde before he was taken back to the court cells.
Relatives said arrangements for the funeral of Hope Zinde were still to be finalised. They said they would support her arrested son.
ANA