Ex-husband found guilty

FAMILY members of Mandy Bailey believe they can now begin their journey towards healing after her ex-husband, Alberto Matthews, was found guilty of her murder in the Northern Cape High Court on Thursday.

- SANDI KWON HOO

Bailey died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body in her bedroom on December 27, 2023, while her nine-year-old daughter was lying on the bed.

Ronel Booysen said she believed justice had been served for her sister and hoped Matthews would be handed a harsh sentence.

"The family is relieved that the judgment has brought a measure of closure. The accused has not shown any remorse and has yet to ask us for forgiveness. We are not monsters, but until he is ready to genuinely apologise for his actions, we will not be able to reconcile with him," she said.

Judge Danie Olivier also delivered guilty verdicts on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, possession of an unlicensed .765mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening a protection order.

Matthews was further found guilty of pointing a firearm at Bailey’s brother, Wesley Bailey, and her eldest daughter, Erin Cupido.