Alberto Matthews, who allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife, appeared in the Northern Cape High Court this week.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
MURDER accused Alberto Matthews is waiting to appoint his fourth legal representative to defend him after his latest lawyer withdrew his services in the Northern Cape High Court this week.
Matthews violated a protection order when he allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife, Mandy Bailey, at her home in Main Street, Beaconsfield, on December 27, 2023.
He allegedly shot her in her bedroom in the presence of his nine-year-old stepdaughter and pointed a firearm at his 20-year-old stepdaughter.
The matter was scheduled to be heard for trial this week but was postponed until April 15 to allow for a new attorney to be appointed.
Matthews was initially represented by Etienne Matthewson in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court, after which he appointed advocate Celeste Nameka when the case was transferred to the Northern Cape High Court.
Nameka withdrew her services in October 2024, indicating that she was left in a “very difficult position” and was unable to continue representing him.
Legal Aid South Africa legal representative Heinrich Steynberg was placed on the record to defend Matthews on November 5.
However, on March 24, Steynberg informed the court that he was “no longer in a position” to represent Matthews.
State advocate Leshnee Pillay noted that this was the second Legal Aid lawyer to withdraw from the matter.
“While the accused has the right to appoint a legal representative of his choice, this right is limited. The rights of the victim also need to be taken into account,” Pillay said.
Northern Cape High Court Acting Deputy Judge President Mpho Mamosebo pointed out that postponements were an “indulgence” that was not “open-ended”.
Matthews will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
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