A man who violated a protection order when he broke into his former partner’s home and then proceeded to shoot and murder her will serve 30 years behind bars. 

Alberto Linden Matthews, 46, was sentenced by the Northern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa, sitting in Kimberley, following his conviction on multiple serious offences.

Matthews murdered his former partner, Mandy Angela Bailey, while in the presence of her nine-year-old daughter. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said Matthews was found guilty on the following charges: murder, read with Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 and Section 1 of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998; housebreaking with intent to commit murder; two counts of pointing of a firearm; contravention of a protection order; possession of a firearm without a licence or permit; possession of ammunition without lawful authority; and possession of a prohibited firearm.

“The sentence arises from a brutal domestic violence–related incident that occurred on December 27, 2023, at the deceased’s residence on Main Street, Beaconsfield. The court found that Matthews unlawfully broke into the home, proceeded to the bedroom where the deceased was, and shot her in the head and upper body, causing her death.

“The court heard harrowing evidence that the deceased’s nine-year-old daughter was present in the bedroom at the time of the shooting, exposing the minor to extreme violence. The deceased’s brother, Wesley Bailey, and her older daughter, Erin Cupido, were also threatened when the accused pointed a firearm at them, forcing them to flee the residence in fear for their lives,” said Senokoatsane.

During trial proceedings, a minor witness testified in-camera, highlighting the profound emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on the children who were directly exposed to the violent events. 

“At the time of the offence, Matthews and the deceased were in a domestic relationship, and a protection order had been granted against the accused, instructing him to stay away from the deceased and her family. Despite this, the accused unlawfully entered the residence and committed the fatal attack,” said Senokoatsane.

During sentencing proceedings, State Advocate Leshnee Pillay argued that the murder of a woman by her intimate partner must never be treated lightly. 

The State submitted that the accused, as the deceased’s partner, had a duty to protect her and not harm her. 

“Advocate Pillay further emphasised that violence against women remains prevalent and that the community expects courts to impose sentences that are both deterrent and retributive. The State also highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse, the cold-blooded nature of the murder, and the severe impact of the crime on the children who witnessed the violence.

“Matthews denied responsibility for the shooting and claimed that he had gone to the house merely to collect personal belongings. The court rejected this version and found that the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Senokoatsane.

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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