Family of siblings accused of killing actor David Manuel say they're victims of a witch hunt
The State alleges that the pair, who claimed to be Manuel's cousin when taking out the funeral policies, lied about that relationship.
Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele appeared in the Athlone Magistrates Court on 21 November 2024. Picture: Ntuthuzelo Nene/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The family of two siblings accused of fraudulently taking out two funeral policies on slain Noem My Skollie actor, David Manuel, believe they are being prosecuted for being good Samaritans.
The case against Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele was postponed to 27 November, following their appearance at the Athlone Magistrates Court for bail applications on Thursday.
The State alleges that the pair, who claimed to be Manuel's cousin when taking out the funeral policies, lied about that relationship.
The State said its case would prove that the siblings were not related to Manuel, a claim the accused said was false.
The court has heard that Manuel and the accused were neighbours at NY141 in Gugulethu, where Manuel was shot and killed with his friend in October.
Through affidavits read out by defence lawyer, Thina Vuso, in court on Thursday, the accused said Manuel became a brother to them when their mother adopted him and his younger brother, Patrick, following Manuel's mother’s passing.
A family friend to the Mbele's, Mncedisi Mdingi said the whole case had divided the Gugulethu community.
"This case has really damaged the community, especially of section 3 and us as a black township. Because what is happening on the ground, the law may not understand it all. The accused don't deserve to be behind bars."
He believes the accused are victims of a witch hunt.