HIGH COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 30 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF EX-PARTNER
05 FEBRUARY 2026
HIGH COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 30 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF EX-PARTNER
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Northern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa, sitting in Kimberley, has sentenced Alberto Linden Matthews (46) to an effective 30 years’ direct imprisonment following his conviction on multiple serious offences, including the murder of his former partner, Mandy Angela Bailey. 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 27 December 2023 at the deceased’s residence in 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. 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.
During sentencing proceedings, State Advocate Leshnee Pillay argued that the murder of a woman by her intimate partner should never be treated lightly. The State submitted that the accused, as the deceased’s partner, had a duty to protect her and not to 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.
In sentencing, the court imposed the following terms of imprisonment: Possession of an unlicensed firearm 5 years, possession of unlicensed ammunition 2 years, possession of a prohibited firearm 5 years, contravention of a protection order 2 years (All the above sentences to run concurrently), Murder 20 years and two counts of pointing of a firearm 5 years’ imprisonment on each count. The court ordered that the 20-year sentence for murder be served first, followed by a combined 10 years for the two counts of pointing a firearm, resulting in an effective sentence of 30 years’ direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence, which underscores the seriousness with which the courts view gender-based violence and domestic-related murders, particularly where children are exposed to extreme acts of violence. The sentence sends a strong message that such offences will be met with the full might of the law.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539