Hope Zinde was one of the best – Lindiwe Zulu pays tribute to ‘a life well-lived’

While mourners were gathering in Pretoria to celebrate the life of TV personality Hope Zinde, her son briefly appeared in the Brits Regional Court in connection with the murder of his mother, and will be required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. 

“Mama, you gave birth to one of the best that the country could ever wish for,” said Minister of Small Business Lindiwe Zulu, speaking at the memorial service. 

“I am not here to mourn, I am here to celebrate a life that was well-lived ... Hope stood firm in the decisions she believed in.” 

Another speaker, Criselda Dudumashe, addressed the drug problem in South Africa. 

“I hope we use this tragedy to reflect on the bigger picture,” she said. 

“The biggest monster is the availability of drugs ... Warona [her son] needs us.” 

Warona Mark Zinde (23) was arrested last week in connection with his mother’s death. Drugs were also allegedly found in his possession. 

During his last appearance on Monday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said he would now have a court application issued to assess his mental capacity. 

This morning, the matter was postponed to allow time for the psychiatric evaluation. 

According to NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku, the matter had been postponed to July 18. 

Hope Zinde’s body was found in the boot of her Range Rover after a family friend went looking for her. 

The friend allegedly saw Mark peeping through the curtains of their home at the estate. 

According to police reports, the family friend had tried unsuccessfully since Wednesday to make contact with Mark Zinde, but he had refused to open the door. 

He only opened the door when the police arrived. They noticed bloody marks leading from the bathroom to the garage. 

According to Hope Zinde’s uncle Jackson Letshufi, who spoke to broadcaster ANN7, it was believed that some people either helped Mark or urged him to murder his mother. – News24 and staff reporter