The Accused’s Defense in the Murder Trial of Mandy Bailey
Alberto Matthews, accused of the murder of his ex-wife, Mandy Bailey, has presented a defense that centers on his claim of love and care for the deceased. He maintains that he was unaware of any offense he may have committed and has denied allegations of abuse against her.
Matthews asserted that witnesses who testified about his abusive behavior were lying. “I heard what they said, but it is a lie. She [the deceased] was a drama queen and exaggerated how bad things really were,” he stated. His defense also included claims that the allegations of abuse were unfounded.
The case stems from an incident on December 27, 2024, when Matthews allegedly violated a protection order by breaking into Bailey’s home in Main Road, Beaconsfield. According to the prosecution, he fired several shots at Bailey in her bedroom while her nine-year-old daughter was present. He also allegedly pointed a firearm at Bailey’s brother, Wesley Bailey, and her eldest daughter, Erin Cupido.
During his testimony in the Northern Cape High Court, Matthews revealed that this was not the first time he had stayed “at home” after Bailey had taken out interdicts against him. He explained that he had lived with the deceased and her family for over five years in the same location.
Matthews claimed that he wanted to know why Bailey was speaking on her cellphone outside the house on November 23, 2023. He said she was discussing Erin’s college, and he wanted to see who she had called. During an argument, they pushed each other while trying to grab the phone. “While we were wrestling for the phone, we both landed on our backs on the bed. I don’t know why she screamed,” he said.
He later denied pushing Bailey and instead claimed he had held her against the cupboard. Matthews added that Bailey reprimanded Cupido when she ran into the room and started hitting him with her fists. “Cupido came in with an attitude. I took my belongings and drove off. Before the incident, Cupido became physical with me, and I lost all contact with her.”
Matthews explained that he asked a friend employed at SAPS to help him load a fridge when he decided to leave the house. He then drove to George, where he stayed for eight days before returning to Kimberley. Upon his return, his mother informed him that Mandy was scared because he was back. “I don’t know why she was anxious. When we were married, there were a lot of things that she was doing. There could be a lot of reasons – I could see her with someone.”
He claimed that he stopped to speak to Bailey as he was driving out of Diamond Pavilion Mall in December 2024. According to Matthews, he was not allowed to speak to her or go to the house due to the protection order. However, he said she told him he could come around when he was in the area.
Matthews accused Bailey’s brother, Wesley, of being the one who shot her and then pointed a firearm at him. “I was not in possession of a firearm. I am not sure if he chased after me. I ran out, jumped in the car and drove off.” He later denied being in the lounge or having an altercation with Wesley.
Initially, he claimed that Bailey was shot when she tried to intervene. He also denied admitting that he had shot the deceased. “I have no knowledge of any offence,” he said.
Matthews stated that he was not on good terms with Wesley. “We did not care for each other.” He also blamed his legal representative for not taking proper instructions. “I never drove into the yard of the deceased. I hooted and the gate opened. There were a lot of things that were put to the court that I never mentioned to him.”
He added that he entered through the back of the house. “I stood in the middle of the kitchen and I saw Mandy passing the bathroom. She did not appear pleased to see me.”
The Prosecution’s Argument
State advocate Leshnee Pillay highlighted that merely pushing the deceased amounted to assault. “She was trapped in a violent, abusive relationship,” said Pillay. She emphasized that Matthews had gone to Bailey’s home despite an interdict obtained against him. “The accused must have known that there would be consequences if he went to the house. He could be arrested, yet he still went. Everyone in the house was afraid of the accused.”
Pillay argued that Matthews kept changing his version of events and was misleading the court. “The accused is blaming his legal representative and is lying,” she said. She stated that Matthews had already loaded all his possessions into his car when he first left the house and that he had no reason to go to the home of the deceased on the day of the murder.
Closing Arguments
Closing arguments will be heard before Judge Danie Olivier on November 24. Advocate Obakile Maroke is representing the accused.