Child testifies in camera in ex-wife murder trial

THE TRIAL of murder-accused Alberto Matthews – who allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife Mandy Bailey at her Beaconsfield home – resumed in the Northern Cape High Court on Tuesday, with a minor witness testifying in camera.

The trial had to be postponed on Monday as the accused’s legal representative was double-booked for another court case in Pretoria

Matthews is facing charges of murder and related offences linked to the shooting at Bailey’s home in Main Street, Beaconsfield, on December 27, 2023.

Bailey’s nine-year-old daughter was in the bedroom at the time of the shooting, while her brother Wesley Bailey and older daughter Erin Cupido were allegedly threatened with a firearm.

Matthews is also facing charges of attempted murder, contravention of the Firearms Control Act, possession of a prohibited firearm, contravention of a protection order, and housebreaking with intent to commit murder.

State advocate Leshnee Pillay emphasised that the family and friends of the deceased had a right to a speedy trial.

Matthews has denied shooting Bailey and claims he went to the house to collect his belongings.

The case was attended by family members, friends, and members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu).

Frances Baard Nehawu co-ordinator Tumi Majola stated that gender-based violence required collective action.

“By standing together, we create a culture where respect, safety and equality are non-negotiable. As colleagues at the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), we have lost one of our own, while her children have lost a breadwinner. We will attend all court proceedings until judgment day, in support of Mandy and her family,” said Majola.