Brother begs court not to free ‘violent’ sibling
In a family fall-out worthy of their drama-loving biblical namesakes, a young man is accused of stabbing his older brother in a completely unprovoked attack.
On 14 October, for seemingly no reason whatsoever, Solomon Nyathi, 23, allegedly plunged a knife into his big bro, Moses Nyathi’s shoulder and head.
Solomon reportedly pounced on the 28-year-old as he sat quietly, minding his own business in the sitting room at the family home in Kopong.
Bleeding profusely, the injured brother was rushed to Mmatseta Clinic, and later referred to Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole for further treatment.
Arrested the same day, Solomon was charged with unlawful wounding and has been behind bars ever since.
The siblings’ strained relationship was clear for all to see at Broadhurst Magistrates Court on Wednesday, when Moses took to the witness stand begging court not to grant his brother bail.
He said Solomon struck out of the blue, with absolutely no motive, adding it’s not the first time his young brother has displayed violent tendencies or threatening behavior.
“The entire family live in fear for our lives,” Moses told court, his younger brother grinning eerily in the background while he spoke.
Their parents reportedly relayed the same concerns to the police, saying their son vowed to burn them alive in their home if ever released.
It is said he once threatened to stab their eight-year-old niece with a knife.
The worried parents reported the matter to the police, noting they suspect their son may be mentally unstable. They said he had previously received an injection and was told to return for a medical check-up, but never did.
Given the chance to address court, the young Nyathi revealed he had not bathed in 30 days and pleaded with the Magistrate to convince his parents to bring him toiletries in prison.
The prosecution strongly opposed bail, warning that releasing the suspect would endanger his family’s safety and emphasising the seriousness of the crime.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Tshepo Matale ordered that Nyathi undergo psychiatric evaluation before his next court appearance. The matter was postponed to November 20 for ruling on bail.
