Siblings accused of fraud and money laundering in connection with the death of an actor have been granted bail. Photo by Misheck Makora
SIBLINGS accused of fraud and money laundering linked to a Gugulethu actor’s death have been granted bail.
The state claimed the accused amended their funeral policies on October 5, doubling Manuel’s payout for accidental death. Manuel died three days later.
Magistrate Keith le Kuer granted the duo R800 bail.
Cheers erupted in the gallery from their supporters when the verdict was announced.
Their mum, 57-year-old Nomhle Mbele, who is blind, shed tears of joy following the announcement.
“I’m finally happy my kids are out of jail. I’ve suffered enough. I haven’t slept since they were arrested. We’ve been praying for this day. I thank everyone who supported me during these difficult times,” Nomhle said.
Nomhle Mbele, the mother of the siblings accused of fraud, burst into tears in court after her kids were granted bail. Photo by Misheck Makora
The magistrate stated that the state lacked a strong case to deny the accused their constitutional right to bail and noted that the state didn’t show grounds to prevent bail. He said the two were neither flight risks nor a danger to society and were unlikely to interfere with witnesses.
The state alleged that Wanda and Sindiswa misled insurance companies, claiming to be cousins of the late actor to get cover for him.
The accused are not related to Manuel but live across from his home in Gugulethu.
They reportedly took out funeral policies in Manuel’s name with Old Mutual and Capitec, respectively.
In addition, insurance cover was taken out on two other unrelated people.
The court revealed that three days before Manuel’s death, the policies were amended to double the payouts in case of accidental death.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Eric Ntabazalila stated that despite this being a bail hearing, the state holds a solid case for the trial.
