Man accused of killing ex-wife abandons bail
A picket was held outside the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court when murder accused Alberto Matthews appeared in court. Picture: Sandi Kwon Hoo
MURDER accused Alberto Matthews, 47, abandoned his bail application in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week.
Matthews has been charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Mandy Bailey, 43, who was employed as a senior state accountant for salary administration at the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta).
The legal representative for Matthews, Etienne Matthewson, explained that his client had decided to temporarily abandon his right to apply for bail.
“We will bring a new application once things are calmer,” said Matthewson.
According to the police, Bailey was shot in the head and shoulder in Main Road, Kimberley, on December 27 during an apparent domestic dispute.
Bailey’s nine-year-old daughter, who was on the scene at the time of the incident, was not harmed.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Matthews fled the scene in a silver Volkswagen Polo and was arrested at a residence in Beaconsfield on December 28 at about 9.50am, where a firearm was confiscated at the premises.
Community members, employees from the Department of Coghsta and Patriotic Alliance members picketed outside the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on January 9, calling for an end to gender-based violence and justice for Bailey.
A colleague, Marilyn Johnson, stated that she had shared a 15-year friendship with Bailey.
“She was such a kind and loving person and was the glue that kept her family intact. We became like sisters. She was the breadwinner in the family and was taking care of her brother and his children after both their parents died within six weeks of each other in 2022. It is a triple tragedy for the family.”
Johnson added that Bailey is survived by her two daughters, who are aged 20 and nine.
The bereaved family believed that the accused should not be released from custody, pending the outcome of the trial.
A memorial service was held for Bailey at the Lutheran Church in Floors on January 4 and she was buried on January 6.
Matthews will reappear in court on February 8 where he will face trial for murder and the possession of and pointing of a firearm.
The matter has been postponed for further investigation.
