Latest news with #DavidManuel
News24
09-07-2025
- News24
Insurance fraud case against Mbele siblings withdrawn
The Athlone Magistrate's Court has provisionally withdrawn the case against Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele. The pair were accused of orchestrating a life insurance scam linked to the murders o f 'Noem My Skollie' actor David Manuel and his friend, Alfonso Fisher. WhatsApp messages suggested the Mbele siblings knew about the planned killings days in advance. The Athlone Magistrate's Court has provisionally withdrawn the case against siblings Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele, who are accused of orchestrating a life insurance scam that allegedly led to the murders of Noem My Skollie actor David Manuel and his friend, Alfonso Fisher. The court made the decision after the prosecutor requested additional time to complete investigations. Instead, the magistrate ruled that the charges be provisionally withdrawn, with the option to reinstate them once investigations are finalised. The State had been building a case to charge the Mbele siblings with murder, alleging that Manuel and Fisher were killed on 8 October 2024 as part of a fraudulent life insurance scheme. Manuel died at the scene in NY141, Gugulethu, while Fisher later died in hospital. Investigating officer Sergeant Thembekile Matwa revealed that efforts to link the siblings to the murders had so far been unsuccessful. However, he presented WhatsApp messages exchanged between the siblings that hinted at foreknowledge of the deaths. One message from Wanda to Sindiswa, dated 4 October, allegedly read: 'I know, but bazakufa Sindi [I know, but they are going to die, Sindi].' To which Sindiswa simply replied: 'Ewe [Yes].' Matwa said this exchange suggested both siblings knew the two men would be killed four days before the incident. He also revealed that Wanda had returned to a Capitec branch the next day to take out a funeral policy covering both Manuel brothers and another person, Rasimeni. Matwa said in his affidavit: The efforts and determination made by both applicants showed us their great interest to insure the lives of the Manuel brothers before they were killed. He also presented a letter addressed to Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie in which Wanda claimed to be Manuel's concerned neighbour despite previously referring to himself as a family member. Matwa said this inconsistency indicated possible deception. The siblings are also accused of fraudulently insuring the lives of two other people unrelated to them. As they walked out of court on Tuesday, Wanda and Sindiswa declined to speak to the media.
The Herald
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Eastern Cape USSA derby a high-stakes affair
The Madibaz are preparing for a high-stakes clash against Fort Hare in their opening fixture of the University Sports SA rugby tournament later this month. The Eastern Cape derby, scheduled for the opening day on Monday June 30, in Pretoria is expected to be one of the highlights of the week. The goal will be a spot in the B-section final on the Friday and therefore stealing an early march over the opposition will be hugely advantageous. Second-round matchups on the Wednesday will be determined by the day-one results, adding further significance to this explosive opener. The Gqeberha team's head coach, David Manuel, said their primary objective was to gain promotion to the A section but also emphasised that they wanted to showcase Mandela University's broader rugby vision. 'Our goal is definitely promotion but it is also the perfect platform to show that you can attend a university known for academic excellence and still develop as a rugby player.' The Madibaz are keen to maintain their momentum after a strong Varsity Shield campaign, in which they lost the promotion-relegation match against UJ by a paltry three points. 'We've been drawing attention from some of the country's top rugby schools,' Manuel said. 'Performing well at events like the USSAs is critical to our long-term ambitions.' He noted that many parents were now viewing the university as a serious option for talented young players. 'That shift in perception helps our recruitment efforts.' One of their core values was to leave the jersey and the club in a better place, he explained. 'That's the legacy we're building.' Madibaz defeated UFH 32-16 in their Varsity Shield encounter earlier this year but that result does not necessarily give Manuel a peaceful night's sleep. 'These types of games become mental battles. A win for either side gives a significant boost heading into the next season,' he said. Matches between the two tertiary institutions always turned out to be fiercely contested and therefore they are ticking all the boxes to ensure they are at their very best come game day, the Madibaz mentor said. He said the B section, where teams such as NWU-Pukke added serious quality, would be highly competitive. 'They missed last year's tournament, so they're in the B section this year. If we get the chance to face them, it'll be an excellent test of where we stand.' Manuel said that though the squad would be a mix of youth and experience, he had brought in several experienced players who were ineligible for Shield duties, 'which strengthens our hand'. As with any university, academic responsibilities always influence preparations to a certain extent. 'The players need to earn a certain number of credits to qualify for next year's Shield, so we gave them time to focus on exams,' Manuel said. He said every player had a personalised fitness and gym programme and that the on-field sessions had been ramped up in recent weeks. 'We're confident we'll be ready to perform in Pretoria.' — Full Stop Communications
