By Anita Dangazele
- Christo Nel, 64, confessed to police that he shot his 87-year-old mother Ria in the head several times with a hunting rifle.
- Nel first told the court he would represent himself, but later said he would appoint a private lawyer before his next appearance on 2 September.
A Gqeberha man who confessed to killing his elderly mother appeared briefly in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Christo Nel, 64, handed himself over to the police on Saturday after shooting his mother, 87-year-old Ria Nel, at her retirement home.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that Nel went to Kabega police station at around 9.30am on Saturday. He told officers what he had done. When police arrived at the retirement home, they found Ria’s body in her bedroom with several gunshot wounds to her head.
According to Beetge, Nel shot his mother the night before, at about 10pm, using a hunting rifle. The firearm was confiscated and he was immediately arrested.
During his first court appearance on Monday, Nel said he wanted to represent himself. But when he returned to court on Tuesday, he changed his mind and said he would now get a private lawyer.
There were no family members present in court. Nel appeared composed, dressed in a black top with a South African flag on it and black jeans.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that Nel is facing a provisional charge of murder. His case was postponed to 2 September 2025 for his lawyer to come on record.
Pictured above: Police lights.
Image source: File
