Court hears convicted killer used cocaine and cannabis before mother’s murder

On May 6, 2021, Uveer Jaganath, 25, was convicted of murdering his mother, Jessica Jaganath, 44, at their Clare Estate home in Durban. Durban Regional Court magistrate Sophie Reddy rejected Jaganath's claim that he was in a drug-induced state when he killed his mother. Instead, she found that Jaganath had consumed cocaine and cannabis after a shopping trip with his mother and girlfriend, and that his actions before and after the murder showed he knew exactly what he was doing.

The court found that Jaganath's manner and actions were "entirely hostile and cold-blooded," and that his conduct showed "a clear awareness of what he was doing." The post-mortem examination found 27 penetrating incised wounds, some on Jessica's neck, chest, and abdomen, indicating a narrow period of time between the wounds. Jaganath's younger brother, who was in matric at the time, and his father, a self-employed electrician, were present at the home.

Reddy noted that the close relationship between the families may have been inclined to downplay the incident, but found that their testimonies were corroborated by statements made before and after the incident. Jaganath remained emotionless throughout the judgment, but broke down when his bail was revoked, turning towards the gallery and mouthed "I can't do this." He is due back in court in November for the probation officer's report before his sentencing.