Grayson Beare appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 July, for a formal bail application after he was arrested over a month ago for the brutal murder of Halima Hoosen-Preston and the attempted murder of her husband and son on 2 June at their Glenwood home.
This was Beare’s third time in court after he appeared on 11 June, when the district surgeon deemed him mentally fit to stand trial. At the latest hearing, Beare’s lawyers requested that his mental state be further assessed by a team of professionals, including three psychiatrists and one clinical psychologist, before he applies for bail.
Natasha Ramkisoon-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, confirmed that the court allowed the defence to present an application for re-assessment.
“The matter did appear at the Durban Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application, however, the defence advised the court that they would like to bring an application for a further mental assessment for the accused. The court then adjourned the matter for 24 July for that application,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
Despite the magistrate allowing the application, state prosecution intends to oppose the bail application on the basis that Beare’s is a Schedule 6 offence and carries a minimum sentence of life imprisonment. He stabbed Hoosen-Preston as well as her husband and son, however, her husband and son survived the attack.
The motive of the attack is still suspected to be racially motivated, however, pro-Palestine activists believe that this was a terroristic attack, especially after a video emerged of him saying why he attacked the family and went viral hours after the incident.
Beare’s family issued a statement saying that the attack was purely criminal and must be treated as such. The family also said they would support the Hoosen-Preston family, do not condone Beare’s actions and would not be assisting him financially.
Pro-Palestine activists, the Durban community as well as family and friends of Halima Hoosen-Preston are continuing the fight for justice, attending all case proceedings on the matter. Beare remains in custody and will be back in court on 24 July.
