Latest news with #AthloneMagistrate'sCourt
IOL News
10-07-2025
- IOL News
Gugulethu siblings cleared of charges in David Manuel's funeral policy murder case
Wanda Mbele (white pants) leaves court after hearing that his fraud and money laundering cases have been withdrawn. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete/Independent Newspapers The State has provisionally dropped charges against the Gugulethu siblings, Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele, who were accused of fraud and money laundering in connection with the murder of actor David 'Gums' Manuel. Wanda Mbele and his sister Sindiswa Mbele briefly appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, months after being arrested in connection with the case. The charges were withdrawn pending further investigation. Manuel, best known for his role in "Noem My Skollie", was shot and killed alongside his best friend Alfonso Fisher at his Gugulethu home on October 8, 2024. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Mbele siblings, who live across the road from the victim's house, were initially linked to the double murder. However, they were only charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly altering a funeral policy taken out on Manuel shortly before his death. During Wednesday's proceedings, the State prosecutor informed the court: 'The investigating officer has not addressed some of the queries that I had. The matter is therefore provisionally withdrawn until the investigation is concluded.' The decision sparked visible relief for the accused and their loved ones. Award-winning actor, David 'Gums' Manuel, was shot and killed in Gugulethu. Image: File Outside court, Sindiswa's partner said: 'What a relief. We had been waiting for a long time for this day to come. We expected the matter to be withdrawn, but the State has been investigating. I'm 100% sure that they will not be called back into court for this case, even next year, the State will say the investigation is pending. I'm telling the entire country that the case has been withdrawn.' At the time of the withdrawal, both Wanda and Sindiswa were out on R800 bail. According to the State, the pair took out life insurance policies on three individuals. 'They are charged with fraud and money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA). It is alleged that the accused took out a life policy for three people, who are in no way related to them. On October 8, one of the insured (persons) was fired at, in the process, two people were killed,' the State prosecutor said during their first appearance. Following Manuel's death, Wanda allegedly claimed R60 000, while Sindiswa received R50 000 from the policies. The siblings are also accused of using R15 000 of that money to purchase furniture at a Bradlows store.
IOL News
10-07-2025
- IOL News
Gugulethu siblings' fraud and money laundering charges withdrawn in 'Gums' case
Sindiswa Mbele had just heard that the charges of fraud and money laundering have been withdrawn after an actor was killed in his Gugulethu home in 2024. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete The State has provisionally withdrawn charges against Gugulethu siblings who were accused of fraud and money laundering following the murder of actor David 'Gums' Manuel. Wanda and his sister Sindiswa Mbele briefly appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Wednesday morning, months after being arrested in connection with the case. The charges were withdrawn pending further investigation. Manuel, best known for his role in 'Noem My Skollie', was shot and killed alongside his best friend Alfonso Fisher at his Gugulethu home on October 8, 2024. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Wanda Mbele leaves court after hearing that his fraud and money laundering cases have been withdrawn. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete The Mbele siblings, who live across the road from the victim's house, were initially linked to the double murder. However, they were only charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly altering a funeral policy taken out on Manuel shortly before his death. During Wednesday's proceedings, the State prosecutor informed the court: 'The investigating officer has not addressed some of the queries that I had. The matter is therefore provisionally withdrawn until the investigation is concluded.' The decision sparked visible relief for the accused and their loved ones. Outside court, Sindiswa's partner said: 'What a relief. We had been waiting for a long time for this day to come. We expected the matter to be withdrawn, but the State has been investigating.' At the time of the withdrawal, both Wanda and Sindiswa were out on R800 bail. According to the State, the pair took out life insurance policies on three individuals unrelated to them. 'They are charged with fraud and money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA). It is alleged that the accused took out a life policy for three people, who are in no way related to them. On October 8, one of the insured (persons) was fired at, in the process, two people were killed,' the State prosecutor said during their first appearance. Following Manuel's death, Wanda allegedly claimed R60 000, while Sindiswa received R50 000 from the policies. The siblings are also accused of using R15 000 of that money to purchase furniture at a Bradlows store. The State had previously presented WhatsApp messages as part of its case, including one in which Wanda allegedly wrote to his sister: 'They are going to die, Sindi,' in a conversation related to the funeral policies. Despite these submissions, Magistrate Keith Le Keur ruled during their bail hearing that the State had not provided sufficient evidence to justify detaining the accused. 'There wasn't enough evidence presented by the State to keep the siblings behind bars,' Le Keur said. He added that there was no indication the pair would interfere with witnesses or evade court proceedings. Cape Times
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Charges against Gugulethu siblings in 'Gums' case withdrawn amid fraud allegations
Wanda Mbele leaves court after hearing that his fraud and money laundering cases have been withdrawn. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete The State has provisionally withdrawn charges against Gugulethu siblings, who were accused of fraud and money laundering following the murder of actor David 'Gums' Manuel. Wanda and his sister Sindiswa Mbele briefly appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Wednesday morning, months after being arrested in connection with the case. The charges were withdrawn pending further investigation. Manuel, best known for his role in 'Noem My Skollie', was shot and killed alongside his best friend Alfonso Fisher at his Gugulethu home on October 8, 2024. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Sindiswa Mbele had just heard that the charges of fraud and money laundering have been withdrawn after an actor was killed in his Gugulethu home in 2024. Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete The Mbele siblings, who live across the road from the victim's house, were initially linked to the double murder. However, they were only charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly altering a funeral policy taken out on Manuel shortly before his death. During Wednesday's proceedings, the State prosecutor informed the court: 'The investigating officer has not addressed some of the queries that I had. The matter is therefore provisionally withdrawn until the investigation is concluded.' The decision sparked visible relief for the accused and their loved ones. Outside court, Sindiswa's partner said: 'What a relief! We had been waiting for a long time for this day to come. We expected the matter to be withdrawn, but the State has been investigating. I'm 100% sure that they will not be called back into court for this case, even next year, the State will say the investigation is pending. I'm telling the entire country that the case has been withdrawn.' At the time of the withdrawal, both Wanda and Sindiswa were out on R800 bail. According to the State, the pair took out life insurance policies on three individuals unrelated to them. 'They are charged with fraud and money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA). It is alleged that the accused took out a life policy for three people, who are in no way related to them. On October 8, one of the insured (persons) was fired at, in the process, two people were killed,' the State prosecutor said during their first appearance. Following Manuel's death, Wanda allegedly claimed R60,000, while Sindiswa received R50,000 from the policies. The siblings are also accused of using R15,000 of that money to purchase furniture at a Bradlows store.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- IOL News
Alleged taxi hitman abandons bail bid
Alleged taxi hitman, Vuyolwethu 'Yesu' Tshukela, appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The man known as 'Yesu', alleged to be a taxi hitman linked to a string of violent attacks in the province, has abandoned his bail application. Vuyolwethu Tshukela appeared briefly in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday, where he informed the court that he would no longer be seeking his release on bail. He is set to return to court on August 8. Tshukela, originally from Mthatha, was arrested in Welkom in the Free State last month after evading police for several months. He initially faced four charges, including murder, attempted murder, and extortion. However, the State has significantly expanded its case against him. Last week, the State confirmed that 14 additional charges had been added after consultation with a senior advocate, bringing the total number of charges to 18. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ These now include kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious injury to property, robbery, intimidation, arson, and a second count of attempted murder, this time involving a security officer. 'Your Worship, the charge sheet at first appearance only reflected four charges. That has now changed to 14 additional charges being added after consultation with the State advocate,' said the prosecutor during Thursday's proceedings. According to police, Tshukela is alleged to have been behind a spate of violent incidents between August and September 2024, in areas including Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft. These incidents were widely publicised, with the provincial police issuing several appeals for information on his whereabouts. 'He was apprehended in Welkom and is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion, as well as an arson investigation,' police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said. On August 18, 2024, Tshukela allegedly approached a group of taxi drivers gathered at a rank and opened fire, killing one driver in front of witnesses. It is believed the victim had refused to pay extortion money. A few weeks later, on September 17, 2024, Tshukela allegedly threatened a group of taxi drivers, demanding protection fees and warning that non-compliance would result in them being shot. Some drivers allegedly paid, while others, including the complainant in that matter, refused. One of the attempted murder charges stems from an incident on February 9, this year, in which four men, allegedly including Tshukela, set fire to several containers and taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank. When patrollers responded and pursued the suspects into a nearby street, Tshukela is alleged to have turned and opened fire on them. The patrollers escaped unscathed and later identified him to police. Potelwa confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more charges could follow. 'As investigations unfold, the suspect could face additional charges,' she said. Tshukela remains in custody until his next appearance. Cape Times
IOL News
03-07-2025
- IOL News
Yesu's legal troubles deepen: 14 new charges including kidnapping
Alleged taxi hitman, Vuyolwethu 'Yesu' Tshukela, failed to appear in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Thursday. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The State has added a host of new criminal charges against the man known as Yesu, bringing the total to 18. But on Thursday, the Athlone Magistrates' Court heard that the accused, Vuyolwethu Tshukela, could not be brought to court, and his exact whereabouts were temporarily unknown. Tshukela, arrested last month in Welkom in the Free State after months on the run, initially faced four charges. These included murder, attempted murder, and extortion. However, the State revealed on Thursday that after consulting with a senior advocate, 14 more charges were added. Among them are kidnapping, robbery, assault, intimidation, malicious injury to property, arson, and a second count of attempted murder, this time allegedly involving a security officer. The State prosecutor told the court: 'Your Worship, the charge sheet at first appearance only reflected four charges. That has now changed to 14 additional charges being added after consultation with the State advocate.' Before proceedings began, court orderlies informed the State that Tshukela had not been brought to court. A police officer explained that when he went to Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in the morning, Tshukela was not there and had been moved the week before to another facility, due to safety concerns, but no one seemed to know which. 'The accused is not before the court, Your Worship. He wasn't brought from Pollsmoor this morning,' the prosecutor said. The State confirmed that arrangements had since been made with Pollsmoor officials to ensure the accused is present at his next scheduled appearance. The prosecutor added: 'Due to the higher risk posed by the accused, he is not kept at Pollsmoor. However, after speaking to the chief at Pollsmoor, arrangements have been made for him to be brought to court next time.' The court heard that Tshukela's legal representative had been consulted on Thursday morning and indicated that the accused would be abandoning his bail application. However, this could not be confirmed due to his absence. Magistrate Keith Le Keur expressed concern about Tshukela not being in court, highlighting the procedural importance of the accused being present. 'But the only reason he is not here must be in terms of Section 159(3)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, for example, if he were in hospital. There must be a medical certificate,' said Le Keur. 'Pollsmoor cannot simply decide to keep him there arbitrarily. Under normal circumstances, I would have postponed it to the next day to have him here and then roll the matter in his presence. The proceedings must happen in the presence of the accused.'
