Ex-husband sentenced to 30 years for murder of Mandy Bailey

WHILE the surviving family members of Mandy Bailey, who was fatally shot by her ex-husband, Alberto Matthews, have welcomed the 30-year sentence imposed on Thursday, February 5, they say it is also a stark reminder that she will never return.

Bailey died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body when Matthews entered her home in Main Road, Beaconsfield, on December 27, 2023, despite a protection order she had obtained against him.

Her daughter, Erin Cupido, said the trial was an arduous journey, but she was thankful that justice had prevailed.

“It took so much strength to get to the end of this road. I am grateful that we have received justice. Let this be a clear message to all perpetrators of violence against women. It is bittersweet – I would do anything to spend another 20 minutes with my mother.”

Bailey’s sister, Ronel Booysen, said the sentence would finally bring some closure to the family.

“We can now begin the healing process,” she said.

Matthews was found guilty of murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm at Bailey’s brother, Wesley Bailey, and Cupido, as well as contravening a protection order.

Handing down sentence in the Northern Cape High Court on Thursday, Acting Judge Danie Olivier said Bailey would not have been shot had Matthews not arrived at her home unannounced and armed.

“The deceased was shot by someone who was supposed to care for and protect her,” Olivier said.

Questions regarding motive remain unresolved

Olivier said he was satisfied that the murder was committed on impulse and was not premeditated.

“We are still not certain what drove the accused to shoot Bailey in front of her nine-year-old daughter and while she was lying defenceless on her bed.”

Olivier described Matthews as being “defiant in his bare denials” and said he lacked genuine remorse, despite a pre-sentencing report indicating that he had experienced “a change of heart” and wished to ask for forgiveness.

“As a result of the offence, a family has been ripped apart and a minor child has been left without the guidance of her mother. The incident has placed financial and emotional strain on the family.”

He noted that Cupido suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and that she attempted suicide following her mother’s death.

“Her sister’s school performance has dropped and she experiences emotional outbursts.”

Olivier further pointed out that Matthews was previously convicted of attempted murder of his girlfriend in 2016, for which he served eight months of a four-year sentence.

“One wonders if his previous brush with the law served to deter him from committing a similar offence. His decision not to testify during pre-sentencing proceedings leads me to conclude that there is nothing to be said in his favour.”

He added that Matthews had already been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Olivier advised the surviving family members to raise any objections with the Department of Correctional Services should Matthews be placed before the parole board or if he were to be considered for correctional supervision.

Matthews’ legal representative, Advocate Obakile Maroke, said he had not yet received instructions on whether his client intends to appeal.