Murder trial stopped as accused 'unfit to stand'

Miss Nyoni's former boyfriend Vhuphilo Mudau, who stood accused of murder, was declared "not fit to stand trial" and the couple will now have to wait for several months before they hear a verdict.

Miss Nyoni, a University of Hertfordshire student, was found dead in her flat near Watford General Hospital on Friday, May 18.

Last week, St Albans Crown Court heard the 22-year-old Zimbabwean had been tied up with bandages and strangled with a cord from a pair of tracksuit bottoms.

Mudau, a 29-year-old IT worker, also from Zimbabwe, admitted killing her but denied the murder charge.

His trial began on Tuesday, December 4, but was unexpectedly halted just two days later on Thursday, December 6, when judge the Honourable Mr Justice Hooper explained to the jury the defendant had been taken ill in custody.

It was hoped the trial could resume on Wednesday, December 12, but the jury was discharged after defence barrister Mr Nigel Salts QC and prosecution barrister Mr Richard Benson QC agreed it was the only course that could be taken.

Mr Justice Hooper apologised to the six men and six women, who had patiently listened to the evidence and watched a disturbing video of the crime scene.

But he said he had no alternative but to discharge them as the defendant was "no longer fit to stand trial".

In an unusual move, the judge, who will not preside over the retrial, invited Miss Nyoni's parents to his chamber to explain his decision.

Zenzo and Christine Nyoni had travelled from Zimbabwe to attend the trial. They each wore a small black swatch of material pinned to a sleeve and were a dignified presence in court.

Looking tired and frustrated, the couple shook their heads when they learned that it would take months before the case came back to court. Mr Nyoni, a preacher, said they were "very disappointed" with the delay.

The case will be reviewed in February with a view to restarting it in early March.

December 13, 2001 16:00