Cape Town - The fraud-accused siblings facing fraud and money laundering charges following the murder of actor David “Gums” Manuel have been released on bail as the court found the State didn’t present enough evidence to keep them behind bars.
Magistrate Keith Le Keur said this as he granted R800 bail to Wanda Mbele and sister, Sindiswa, in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
The pair was arrested on November 12 and initially linked to the murder of the ‘Noem My Skollie’ actor and his best friend, Alfonso Fisher, on October 8.
However, the State only charged them with fraud and money laundering as they both took out a funeral policy for Manuel, before altering it a week before his death.
During their bail application, the State said the siblings received a R110 000 payout and bought furniture worth R15 000.
But Le Keur said Wanda is employed and there is no evidence that the furniture was bought with the proceeds.
He said it was now up to the State to prove if that was so.
Last week, the investigating officer showed the court WhatsApp messages between the accused, in which one read: “They are going to die Sindi,” as they had been discussing funeral policies.
The State alleged the siblings took out life insurance on poor people and drug addicts for their own financial gain.
“The modus operandi of both suspects, we have learned, is that both applicants secure funeral policies on behalf of people who are poor, who are using substances, people who are involved in criminal activities.”
During bail judgment yesterday, Le Keur said there wasn’t enough evidence presented by the State to keep the siblings behind bars.
He also said there was not enough to imply the accused would interfere with witnesses and evade court proceedings.
After hearing the news, Wanda hugged Sindiswa as their supporters could only raise their hands to avoid making a noise in celebration.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said they accept the decision by the court.
“We opposed bail and we had reasons to oppose bail.
“The part of whether the case of the State is strong or not should have been left to the trial court and for it to determine that.
“We accept the decision, we will come back on January 28, 2025 to continue with the case.
“We don’t just bring any case to court, we believe the accused have a case to answer to.”
Their family and friends who have been supporting them celebrated and sang songs outside court.
Less than an hour after the judgment, the siblings exited the court, as they were met with a hero’s welcome.
People sang, cheered and hugged the siblings.
Their mother, Nomhle Mbele, said: “I feel very happy that my children have come out of jail. I wish to thank the people who came to support them from day one.
“Sindiswa’s children were very upset and they prayed with me for their release.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za