Gugulethu siblings' fraud and money laundering charges withdrawn in 'Gums' case

The State has provisionally withdrawn charges against Gugulethu siblings who were accused of fraud and money laundering following the murder of actor David “Gums” Manuel.

Wanda and his sister Sindiswa Mbele briefly appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, months after being arrested in connection with the case.

The charges were withdrawn pending further investigation.

Manuel, best known for his role in 'Noem My Skollie', was shot and killed alongside his best friend Alfonso Fisher at his Gugulethu home on October 8, 2024.

The Mbele siblings, who live across the road from the victim’s house, were initially linked to the double murder.

However, they were only charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly altering a funeral policy taken out on Manuel shortly before his death.

During Wednesday's proceedings, the State prosecutor informed the court: “The investigating officer has not addressed some of the queries that I had. The matter is therefore provisionally withdrawn until the investigation is concluded.”

The decision sparked visible relief for the accused and their loved ones.

Outside court, Sindiswa’s partner said: “What a relief. We had been waiting for a long time for this day to come. We expected the matter to be withdrawn, but the State has been investigating.”

At the time of the withdrawal, both Wanda and Sindiswa were out on R800 bail.

According to the State, the pair took out life insurance policies on three individuals unrelated to them.

“They are charged with fraud and money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA). It is alleged that the accused took out a life policy for three people, who are in no way related to them. On October 8, one of the insured (persons) was fired at, in the process, two people were killed,” the State prosecutor said during their first appearance.

Following Manuel’s death, Wanda allegedly claimed R60 000, while Sindiswa received R50 000 from the policies.

The siblings are also accused of using R15 000 of that money to purchase furniture at a Bradlows store.

The State had previously presented WhatsApp messages as part of its case, including one in which Wanda allegedly wrote to his sister: “They are going to die, Sindi,” in a conversation related to the funeral policies.

Despite these submissions, Magistrate Keith Le Keur ruled during their bail hearing that the State had not provided sufficient evidence to justify detaining the accused.

“There wasn’t enough evidence presented by the State to keep the siblings behind bars,” Le Keur said.

He added that there was no indication the pair would interfere with witnesses or evade court proceedings.

Cape Times