Murder accused seeks funds to hire private lawyer
MURDER accused Alberto Matthews will need about a month to raise the necessary funds to appoint a new legal representative.
Advocate Celeste Nameka withdrew her services in the Northern Cape High Court on Wednesday, citing that she was left in a “very difficult position” that prevented her from continuing to represent Matthews.
Earlier this week, Nameka requested a postponement, explaining that Matthews was suffering from diarrhoea and not receiving adequate medical care at the correctional services facility.
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Matthews allegedly violated a protection order by entering his ex-wife Mandy Bailey’s home in Main Street, Beaconsfield, on December 27, 2023. He allegedly shot her in the bedroom while her nine-year-old stepdaughter was present.
The firearm apparently jammed when he proceeded to point it at his 20-year-old stepdaughter and brother-in-law.
During a court adjournment, a relative of Matthews collapsed in the courthouse hallway, prompting paramedics to be called to transport her for medical attention.
State advocate Leshnee Pillay indicated that the State was ready to proceed with the trial. She highlighted the urgency to avoid further delays and pointed out that this was a “long-standing” matter.
Matthews told the court that he wished to appoint a private lawyer, stating that he needed “about a month” to enable his family to source the finances to appoint a new legal representative.
Judge Almé Stanton advised Matthews to ensure he had sufficient funds before the next trial date if he decided to appoint a new private attorney. She also suggested that if he required assistance from a State-appointed legal representative, he should apply to Legal Aid South Africa in a timely manner.
Stanton postponed the trial until November 5 to allow for a new attorney to be placed on the record.
She noted that while Matthews had a right to appoint a legal representative of his choice, it was unacceptable and unfair to subject the bereaved family and community to further postponements.
While frustrated by what she described as “delaying tactics” employed by the accused, Ronel Booysen expressed her belief that justice would ultimately prevail for her sister’s death. “There is nothing else we can do but be patient,” she added.
