Two Family Members Arrested in Connection with the Murder of Actor David Manuel
David Manuel, a South African actor best known for his role as Freddy Gums in ‘Noem My Skollie’, was fatally shot outside his home in Gugulethu, Cape Town, on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
The 42-year-old’s death shocked the community and ignited a police investigation that has since taken a dark turn.
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Arrests Made Amid Insurance Fraud Allegations
In a recent development, police have arrested two family members of Manuel—a man and a woman, both aged between 30 and 40—who are suspected of being involved in an insurance scam that investigators believe was the motive behind his murder.
Two Family Members Arrested in Connection with the Murder of Actor David Manuel (Image Credit: The South African)The two suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates Court on Thursday, 14 November, facing charges of murder and fraud.
According to Sergeant Wesley Twigg, spokesperson for the police, the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime detectives launched an intensive investigation following the deaths of both David Manuel and his friend Alfonso Fisher, who was also killed in the attack.
Community Shocked by Motive Behind Killing
Residents of Gugulethu expressed shock upon learning of the arrests.
According to the Daily Sun, A neighbor from NY141, where the incident took place, shared that the suspects had reportedly been trying to access life insurance payouts after Manuel’s death but faced delays due to the bank flagging suspicious activity.
“They were recently complaining about how the bank was not releasing their money, and they’d been going to the bank almost daily to demand it.
“We were stunned when we heard about the arrests. No one expected it would come to this,” the neighbor explained.
Police Investigation Continues as More Arrests Possible
Police spokesman Sergeant Twigg has confirmed that additional arrests may follow as detectives continue to piece together the details surrounding Manuel’s death. The investigation remains active, with authorities working to establish a clear timeline and motive connected to the suspected insurance policies taken out in the actor’s name.
“We urge anyone with information that might assist in this case to come forward,” said Twigg.