In Manenberg Murder Case
Reporte – Felicity Jooste
Athlone:- Ten members of the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) accused of the murder of 22-year-old Wade Price and the assault of his friends in Manenberg, were denied bail by the Athlone Magistrate’s Court today.
The officers, who were arrested following an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe, face a total of 10 charges: one count of murder, four counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), four counts of kidnapping, and one count of torture.
Only the ninth accused, a male officer who presented medical evidence of serious health challenges, was granted bail of R1 000. The remaining nine, eight men and one woman, will remain in custody until their next appearance on 29 January 2026.
The nine male officers will be held at Brandvlei Correctional Facility, while the female officer will be detained at Worcester Prison.
The alleged incident occurred on 4 December 2025 when the officers detained Wade Price and several of his friends in Manenberg, in connection with a fatal shooting that took place near the Athlone Magistrate’s Court earlier that day.
According to IPID’s preliminary findings, Price died as a result of unnatural causes. The state alleges that he was subjected to severe physical assault during interrogation, including being struck, choked, and tortured.
The officers have maintained that Price complained of ear pain and collapsed during questioning, but the post-mortem examination and IPID investigation have ruled out natural causes.
Magistrate denied bail to the nine officers, after finding that they had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances as required by the Criminal Procedure Act for offences as serious as murder.
The court also considered the nature of the allegations, the position of trust the officers held, and the public interest in ensuring accountability.
The case has drawn widespread attention in the Western Cape, where gang violence remains a major challenge.
Community activists and residents of Manenberg have called for a thorough investigation, while a petition signed by over 1 000 people had earlier urged the court to consider granting the officers bail.
IPID continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Price’s death, and the conduct of the officers involved.
The matter has been postponed to 29 January 2026 for further investigation and possible indictment in the High Court.
