Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele, siblings accused of fraudulently profiting from the murder of actor David Manuel, are set to learn the outcome of their bail applications at the Athlone Magistrates Court today.
Story Summary:
- Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele are accused of taking out fraudulent funeral policies worth R110,000 on slain actor David Manuel.
- The State alleges they altered policies days before Manuel’s murder and had insider help from Home Affairs to falsify documents.
- The Athlone Magistrates Court will decide today whether granting them bail is in the interest of justice.
David Manuel murder: Siblings’ fate to be decided in court today
The siblings are facing charges of fraud and money laundering after allegedly taking out funeral policies worth R110,000 on the late actor, claiming to be his cousins.
The State’s case hinges on allegations that the policies were fraudulently amended just days before Manuel’s murder to increase payouts for accidental death.
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Evidence presented includes WhatsApp chats and emails purportedly showing the accused were aware of Manuel’s impending death days before it occurred.
Prosecutors also allege the siblings had inside assistance from the Department of Home Affairs to create false documents, including a fake birth certificate, to identify and claim Manuel’s body.
What is the State’s case against Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele?
The court has heard evidence linking the accused to funeral policies altered four days before Manuel’s murder in Gugulethu.
According to the State, Wanda Mbele emailed Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie soon after the murder, pleading for help with burial costs.
The siblings maintain their innocence, claiming through their lawyer that they were close to Manuel, who they allege was taken in by their family after his mother’s death.
The prosecution, however, disputes any familial connection and argues the fraud was carefully planned, with assistance from an insider at Home Affairs.
The Gugulethu community has been divided by the case.
A family friend, Mncedisi Mdingi, has criticised the arrests, calling the siblings “victims of a witch hunt” and highlighting the impact on the community.
The interest of justice in bail decisions
In deciding whether to grant bail, the court will determine if the release of Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele serves the interest of justice.
This involves considering factors such as the seriousness of the charges, the likelihood of the accused fleeing, and the potential for interfering with the investigation.
David Manuel’s murder, which occurred during an ambush in Gugulethu in October, has left the township community in mourning.
Known for his role as Freddy Gums in Noem My Skollie, Manuel’s talent earned him acclaim in South Africa’s film industry.
