The prosecution in a Glenmore, Durban, murder case has asked for more time to review a mental assessment report submitted to the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The report states that Grayson Beare is unfit to stand trial for the killing of Halima Hoosen-Preston in June 2024.

Berea Mail reports that during brief proceedings before Magistrate Ashwin Singh, state prosecutor Calvin Govender said he would submit the report to the director of prosecutions for review and requested that the matter be transferred to the regional court. According to the report, following Beare’s admission to Fort Napier Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, the accused underwent ‘psychiatric interviews, physical and neurological examinations and multi-drug screening’.

The report further stated that Beare was diagnosed with an ‘unspecified psychiatric disorder’. On his fitness to stand trial, ‘the accused would not be able to follow court proceedings and instruct his attorney. He is not fit to stand trial’.

On the alleged mental state, ‘from the available information, the accused was unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the alleged offence’.

Beare stands accused of killing Hoosen-Preston and attempting to murder her son and husband on June 2, 2024. It is alleged that he fatally stabbed Hoosen-Preston at her Glenmore home after she voiced her support for Palestine. Her 14-year-old son and husband were also repeatedly stabbed in the attack.

Members of United for Palestine who were in court said they will not back down in pursuing justice for Hoosen-Preston.

A provisional date to return to court was set for August 15.

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