Grayson Beare. [Picture: NPA]
It was a sombre day in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Forty-four-year-old Grayson Beare was deemed fit for trial for the murder of 46-year-old Halima Hoosen-Preston.
Beare, 44, stands accused of fatally stabbing 46-year-old Halima Hoosen-Preston, 15 times at her home in the suburb of Glenmore during the early hours of Sunday, 2 June, reported News24.
Scores of people gathered to witness his second appearance. Many were relieved to hear the news that he was fit to stand trial, hoping justice will be served for the slain mother of two.
Speaking after the appearance, Durban-based Seen reporter Nabeelah Shaikh told Salaamedia about the atmosphere around the case. She said the family was of the view it should be treated as a hate crime.
“They want this to be treated for what it is; for a hate crime. [Halima was] somebody that stood for the rights of the Palestinian people, and she was attacked because of this,” she said.
At the same time, a sympathetic community was relieved to hear Beare would eventually stand trial.
“There was a huge sigh of relief not just from Halima’s family, but also from the court and everybody that came to show their support today when we heard he’s actually mentally fit to stand trial.”
The case is back in court for bail application on 11 July. “Until then, all we can do is just wait and let the proceedings take place as and when they happen,” she concluded.
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