The 44-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Glenmore resident Halima Hoosen-Preston in an alleged Islamophobic attack made his first appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today.

Grayson James Beare is facing charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

The attack took place on Hyder Road in the early hours of Sunday morning, and Hoosen-Preston’s husband and 19-year-old son were also treated for multiple stab wounds after the same attack.

In a widely shared video circulating on social media, Beare appears to indicate his attack was because of the family’s pro-Palestinian stance and alleges Hoosen-Preston ‘and her family thought it was entertaining that my cousins were killed in Israel’.

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says the matter was remanded to next Tuesday.

“The matter was remanded to June 11 and for Beare to undergo mental assessment. The state is opposed to bail.”

Call for justice

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) yesterday said it is ‘outraged’ over the murder and attacks.

In a statement, the SAJBD asked that the law be allowed to take its course following the horrific attack.

“This is a tragic event, and our hearts and prayers go out to the affected family. We ask that this matter be investigated thoroughly by the judicial system and that the investigations and legal processes be allowed to take their course. In this highly charged environment, we call for calm from all communities so that justice can prevail,” the statement read.