Durban man tells court he chopped off his friend's head for money

Philani Jojisa was arrested two years ago in the Durban CBD, after he was found with a human head in his backpack.

The head belonged to Thembinkosi Nzimakwe, whose body was found in a bush in Mayville a day later.

Jojisa pleaded guilty to the murder in the Durban High Court on Monday.

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His friend and co-accused, Lehlohonolo Swartbooi has pleaded not guilty.

In his plea statement, Jojisa told the court that at the time he had a three-month-old daughter and was struggling financially - owing loan sharks R6000.

He says to get out of the situation he came up with a plan to sell a human head to traditional healer for R20 000.

Jojisi gave details of how he and Swaartbooi met Nzimakwe at a tavern and plied him with liquor. He says they then dragged a drunk Nzimakwe into a bush and killed him.

Testifying in aggravation of sentence on Tuesday, Thembinkosi's brother, Vuyani Nzimakwe detailed to the court the effect his brother's murder has had on the family.

He says his brother was a good man and helped the family.

Vuyani says an apology won't bring back his brother, adding he doesn't think there would ever be a time where they can forgive Jojisa.

Jojisi apologised to the victim's family for his actions.

Sentencing is expected on Wednesday.