Nomfundo Khumalo

The University of KwaZulu-Natal student accused of killing and burning his roommate Khayelihle Nzimande abandoned his bail application today at Pinetown Magistrate court.

Based on his reaction last week in the courtroom, the court decided to send Nzimande for a 30 days mental observation in a psychiatric hospital. Nzimande arrived in Pinetown Magistrate court today, expected to make a formal bail application but chose not to.

The 25-year-old is accused of killing his roommate, a BCom student Simukelo Zondi whose ashes were recovered near a bush at the Westville campus a week ago.

Nzimande appeared for the second time before the magistrate, this comes after he lashed out on the Magistrate on his first appearance, interrupting court proceedings and asking where his family was and why police did not inform his family about his court appearance.

He claimed that the police had denied him the right to call his family and discuss his legal representation. The Magistrate gave in to his demand and allowed him to speak to a family member that was present in court. He later told the court that he would be taking an opting for the legal representative.

The case has been postponed to the 5th of November.