Family members of the late Charmaine Anthony and supporters have expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the decision to release Advocate Celeste Nameka on bail, following the shooting that claimed Anthony’s life at a Minerva Gardens housing complex on December 21, 2024.
FAMILY members of the late Charmaine Anthony and supporters have expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the decision to release Advocate Celeste Nameka on bail, following the tragic shooting that claimed Anthony’s life at a Minerva Gardens housing complex on December 21, 2024.
Nameka, 43, was granted bail of R5,500 by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on January 17. Relatives of the deceased described the bail amount as “R5,500 for a life,” calling it both “meaningless and ludicrous” as it devalued the loss of a life.
Nameka, along with her father, Clive Ferris, 67, faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), possession and discharge of a firearm, and acting with common intent.
While Nameka was granted bail, Ferris will remain in custody. Delivering judgment, Magistrate Khumalo remarked, “No one forced him to pull the trigger.”
During the bail hearing, the investigating officer testified that witnesses heard Nameka reportedly instruct her father multiple times, saying, “Shoot them, Daddy, shoot them all,” after Anthony and family members arrived at the scene.
Khumalo pointed out that “utterances do not prove that the offence was premeditated”.
A friend of the accused had told the investigating officer that she heard Nameka and her partner, Lucan Anthony, accusing each other of infidelity during a heated argument prior to the gunshots that were fired.
Khumalo stated that no one, including judges, magistrates, State prosecutors and legal practitioners, was above the law.
“No one can influence the decision of the court. If anyone has proof of improper conduct, they can report it to the relevant institutions.”
He pointed out that a bail hearing was not a trial to determine the guilt or innocence of an accused.
Khumalo brushed off a complaint that the magistrate presided over the case after she had recused herself, as she had merely postponed the case.
He indicated that as the primary caregiver of her nine-year-old child, it was in the best interests of the minor that Nameka be released on bail.
“According to the State, she played a role in the alleged offence,” he noted.
Khumalo granted Nameka bail of R5,000 on condition that she did not interfere in the investigation or with any State witnesses.
The State did not oppose bail for an additional assault charge that was opened against her following the incident, where bail of R5,00 was granted.
The case was postponed until February 18.
