The BSc graduate accused of murdering his ex-lover, estate agent Andre Weitz, slashed his wrists and overdosed on pills before attacking Weitz with an axe, the Cape High Court heard on Wednesday.
Michael van Zyl spoke so softly before Judge Daniel Dlodlo and two assessors that the judge repeatedly demanded he speak louder or repeat himself.
Van Zyl’s defence is temporary non-pathological criminal incapacity — meaning that something he cannot recall, before the attack, made him lose control.
Van Zyl burst into tears as he said: ”I remember having a bath [at Weitz’s home], and trying to slit my wrists with razors, but the razors were too blunt.”
Defence counsel Justin van Rensburg reminded Van Zyl of the testimony of a psychiatrist, who said the murder was premeditated ”and that the overdose that you took was a ruse … What do you say to that?”
Van Zyl sobbed: ”Why would I do that to Andre? He was my best friend; why would I do that?”
Van Zyl cannot recall the attack, at Weitz’s home in Cape Town in June 2004.
He said he had been living temporarily with Weitz, and had decided to move to Durban. Weitz took him to the bus stop, but instead of taking the bus, Van Zyl travelled all over the Cape Peninsula before returning to Weitz’s home.
”I remember taking trains, but not knowing where I was going. I remember walking to Table View, because I was on the beach, but I don’t know why I was there. I don’t know how I got back to Andre’s place. I remember arriving back at his place, but no one was home.”
Van Zyl then told the court about taking the bath and trying to slit his wrists.
”Before I had the bath, I drank every pill I could find, including anti-malaria medication intended for my trip to Durban.
”I remember it was dark, and Andre and his new partner arrived. I didn’t get out of the bath immediately. I recall getting out eventually, and I was bleeding. Andre and his partner had already gone to bed … I don’t know what I did then.”
The hearing continues. — Sapa