Accused in Wade Price Death Amid Community Outrage
CCN Reporting
Cape Town:- In a dramatic turn, the Western Cape High Court has granted bail to 10 members of the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) accused in the murder of Manenberg resident Wade Price, overturning the Athlone Magistrate’s Court’s earlier denial.
The decision was handed down electronically late on Friday, 30 January 2026, by Judge Mas-udah Pangarker, after initially reserving judgment following the morning’s bail appeal hearing. Each of the 10 officers was released on R2,000 bail, subject to strict conditions: they are prohibited from contacting or approaching any State witnesses, directly or indirectly; barred from entering the Manenberg area; and required to notify the investigating officer of any change in address. The officers must also surrender their passports and report weekly to their local police station.
This brings the total to 11 AGU members now out on bail, as one female officer (accused number 9) had previously been granted R1,000 bail in December 2025 due to health issues.
The 11 officers face grave charges stemming from Price’s death on 5 December 2025, shortly after his arrest and interrogation related to a shooting incident. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe determined unnatural causes, with allegations of suffocation, leading to accusations of murder, four counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), four counts of kidnapping, one count of torture, and defeating the ends of justice.
Defence advocate Bruce Hendricks successfully argued the appeal on numerous grounds, asserting that the magistrate had erred in denying bail under Schedule 6 offence criteria, which require exceptional circumstances for release in serious cases like premeditated murder. Hendricks highlighted the officers’ service in combating gang violence and the lack of flight risk.
The State vigorously opposed, citing the severity of the offences, potential witness interference, and public safety risks in gang-plagued areas like Manenberg. Despite this, Judge Pangarker found sufficient grounds to grant bail, emphasizing the presumption of innocence while imposing safeguards.
The ruling has ignited mixed reactions. Supporters of the AGU, including family members and the South African Police Union (SAPU), welcomed the decision, viewing it as recognition of the officers’ challenging roles. SAPU spokesperson Oscar Skommere stated, “This affirms that our members deserve fair treatment while fighting crime on the frontlines.”
Conversely, Price’s family and Manenberg community activists expressed dismay, fearing it undermines accountability for alleged police brutality. Protests outside the court highlighted tensions, with chants demanding justice for Price, a former alleged gang affiliate whose death has spotlighted custody abuses.
The main criminal trial remains postponed to 5 March 2026 in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court for further investigations, including DNA analysis and witness statements.
This case continues to underscore the delicate balance between law enforcement duties and oversight in the Western Cape’s ongoing battle against gang violence.
CCN will monitor developments and provide updates as the trial progresses.
