Former SABC board member Hope Zinde was committed to her family. She loved her son Mark fiercely, despite the young man's struggle with drugs and mental health issues. They enjoyed a close bond with Hope's mother Audrey and Mark's father, Dr Lebohang Manoto. Together they tried their utmost to get Mark the professional help he needed.
Hope was also held in high esteem by colleagues has been described as a strong-willed woman who made an immense contribution to the SABC as well as the ANC's communications arm. She owned her own communications company and
When Hope's body was found stuffed in the boot of her car at the Pecanwood Estate in Hartbeespoort Dam in June 2016 Mark immediately came under suspicion. He was arrested and charged with her murder
A touching message read out at Hope's funeral attested to the bond between mother and son. “Mommy, I love you. Our bond is one that will withstand the depths of time.
“Your place in my heart is one that will never cease to exist. All that I am and aspire to be, I owe it all to you. Your gift will be remembered forever. May your soul rest in peace.” At the time Mark Warona Zinde was in Weskoppies undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.
During the murder trial, which is still ongoing, it emerged that Hope had been assaulted with a dumbbell. She suffered a severe blow to the side of her head.
“When I entered through the front door, there was dry blood in the passage. There were towels and a bucket filled with clean water. I was led to the garage where two vehicles, a Jeep and Mercedes Benz were parked. I was shown where the applicant had left the deceased’s body; inside the Jeep,” the investigating officer testified.
Hope will never celebrate another Women's Month, another birthday or Christmas with her family. She will not get to see that her beloved son Mark gets the help she so desperately wanted him to have.
For Hope's sake and the sake of women everywhere, if you know somebody who has committed an act of violence against a woman Don't Look Away
.
If you know a young woman's life is in danger, Don't Look Away
.
If you are able to help prevent another tragedy, Don't Look Away
.
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