A man accused of killing a woman and stabbing her husband and son – reportedly because they supported Palestine – will undergo a mental evaluation before his next court appearance on Tuesday June 11.
Grayson James Beare, 44, who appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday June 4, has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed Halima Hoosen-Preston, her husband and her son on Saturday June 1.
Ms Hoosen-Preston was stabbed multiple times and died as a result of the attack which took place at her home in Glenmore, Durban, said Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“The woman died, and her family members, who were also allegedly stabbed multiple times, were seriously injured,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
“The matter was remanded to June 11, for bail investigation and for Beare to undergo mental assessment. The state is opposed to bail.”
It is alleged that the suspect forced his way into Ms Hoosen-Preston’s home on Hyder Road in the early hours of Saturday morning.
ALS Paramedics were called out and attended to the three family members who had been stabbed and, on arrival, found a “horrific scene” said ALS Paramedics spokesperson, Garrith Jamieson.
“A family had been attacked inside their house. Paramedics found three patients with multiple stab wounds. Immediately more ambulances and advanced life support paramedics were dispatched to assist,” Mr Jamieson said.
“Paramedics found a female had sustained multiple fatal stab wounds to her body and there was nothing paramedics could do for her, and she was declared deceased on the scene.
“Her husband and son were found with multiple stab wounds to their body. The men were in a critical condition and required multiple advanced life-support techniques to stabilise them on the scene before they were rushed to a nearby hospital for the urgent care that they required.”
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Mr Beare was arrested in connection with the murder and attempted murder cases.
He said when police arrived at the scene, “a man was found in possession of a blood-stained knife”.
“A woman, believed to be in her forties, was lying on the floor bleeding, so were two men who also had stab wounds,” said Colonel Netshiuinda.
“The deceased’s 10-year-old daughter told the police that the suspect stated that he was stabbing them because they supported Palestine. The man also allegedly threatened to rape the little girl,” he said.
