Tensions flare as Mandy Bailey murder sentencing delayed

A HEATED exchange flared up between a packed gallery of supporters of Mandy Bailey and family members of her ex-husband, Alberto Matthews, after sentencing proceedings in the Northern Cape High Court were postponed until next year.

Bailey died after being shot multiple times in the head and body in her bedroom while her nine-year-old daughter was lying on the bed on December 27, 2023.

Matthews was found guilty last week of Bailey’s murder, as well as assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, possession of an unlicensed .765mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, the unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravention of a protection order.

Sentencing could not continue in the Northern Cape High Court on Thursday, November 27, when the defence requested a six-week postponement to allow for a pre-sentencing report to be compiled to argue mitigating circumstances to lessen the severity of the sentence.

Matthews’ legal representative, Advocate Obakile Maroke, pointed out that it was also the festive season.

State Advocate Leshnee Pillay objected to what she described as yet another delaying tactic to prolong sentencing.

She informed the court that Matthews has a previous conviction and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on September 29, 2016, for attempted murder.

Judge Danie Olivier expressed regret at a further postponement, but granted it until February 4, 2026, in the interests of justice.

As Matthews was led down to the holding cells, an angry exchange took place between him and supporters of the deceased, whereupon he allegedly threatened bereaved family members.

Supporters of the two opposing families also pointed fingers and shouted at each other as emotions ran high.

Family members of Matthews indicated that they had obtained an interdict against the Bailey family, while supporters of the Bailey family expressed their frustration over the delays.