DOCTOR Steve Naidoo revealed during his testimony on the murder case of Zulu at the South Gauteng High Court on Thursday, 18 May, that alcohol and cocaine could lead to death.
Dr Naidoo, a specialist forensic pathologist, said that how cocaine affects a person depends on many factors, such as the form and amount used and whether it’s smoked, snorted, or injected.
He said: “Using cocaine with alcohol creates new elements. One of the most powerful of these metabolites is called cocaethylene.”
“It increases toxicity to the heart, liver, and other major organs. The heart can pump higher than normal because of the combination of the two substances,” he said.
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Dr Naidoo said in his 40 years of forensics practice, many cases of unexpected death could be drug abuse.
Security guards found Prince Lethukuthula dead at his home in a residential complex in Northwold, Johannesburg, on 6 November 2020.
The son of the late Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu died of a cocaine overdose. Post-mortem results have shown.
The court previously heard the accused, who are charged with his murder, were allegedly part of a syndicate that allegedly drugged and robbed people.
They allegedly stole a microwave, television sets and cash at Zulu’s apartment.
Four women, Tshegofatso Moremane, Gontse Tlhoele, Margaret Koaile and Portia Mmola, are accused of killing Prince Zulu.
The case was postponed to Friday, 2 June, and the four accused will remain in custody.
