Mark of the beast and clown delusions: State won't drop assault charges against 'psychotic' accused

THE STATE is not prepared to withdraw charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) against an accused who has been diagnosed with a substance-induced psychotic disorder.

A doctor who examined the accused, Sello Kganyego, at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital, indicated that Kganyego told him he bore “the mark of the beast”.

Testifying in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week, the doctor stated that Kganyego was admitted as a mental health patient in 2024, as he was “not sleeping and talking alone” and had been using cannabis.

“He related that he had been using cannabis since the age of 14. At that age, the brain is not fully developed, and it could have been injured by the illicit substance,” said the doctor.

He added that when he examined Kganyego, the patient initially denied any involvement in the incident.

“He admitted that he attempted to commit the offence. He said that ‘they are clowns’ and that he was also a clown. His thought processes were disorganised. His mood was elated and hyperactive, and he displayed poor concentration. He talked in quick succession and exhibited poor insight and judgment. He had bizarre delusions and stated that he was a creative artist.”

The doctor recommended that Kganyego undergo rehabilitation for substance abuse, as well as psychotherapy for between six to 12 months.

“His disorder is a lifelong condition. He did not appear to be in his right mind at the time of the commission of the offence and will not be able to follow court proceedings or make a proper defence. He does not have insight into his conduct and cannot appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions. If he takes his medication, he is calm, but if he defaults, he does not behave like a normal person. He is not able to control his anger or his emotions and is a danger to himself and other people.”

State prosecutor Tumelo Mosetlho pointed out that despite the accused’s condition and diagnosis, the prosecution was not willing to withdraw the charges due to the seriousness of the matter.

He believed that Kganyego should be referred for rehabilitation and said he would consult the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for guidance on how to proceed with the criminal case.

Magistrate Memory Qomoyi postponed the matter until September 12 and extended Kganyego’s bail.