Man whose wife was shot nine times seeks bail

An international banker’s bail application for allegedly killing his estranged wife by shooting her nine times is expected to continue this week in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Vincenzo “Enzo” Pietropaolo, treasury head at the Sandton-based Bank of Athens, is accused of killing Manuela “Manny” Giuliana Pietropaolo in the doorway of her Brackendowns home on Monday. He was arrested later at his home in Blairgowrie.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Linda Maloyi said two firearms were recovered from Pietropaolo’s home. She said yesterday she was unable to confirm a rumour that more than 200 rounds of ammunition were found in a safe at the banker’s office late last week.

It is believed the state will oppose bail as it is understood Pietropaolo, pictured, may already have bought an airline ticket to Italy before the shooting.

Mother to three sons and a grandmother, Manny was remembered by Charlotte Carvalho, her friend of more than 30 years. “I’m so sad and grieving for my dear friend and her family,” Carvalho said.

It is believed the couple had been separated for three years, with Manny staying in the familial home, while Pietropaolo had moved out.

Tracking Pietropaolo’s cellphone as he fled the scene, police apparently found he had already dismantled one firearm and, with his bags packed, was allegedly ready to disappear.

“The night Manny was killed I received a message on our CPF group, which said they were looking for a male who has allegedly shot his wife. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that it was my friend,” Carvalho told The Citizen. She said Manny was an excellent mother and an inspiration. “She was a tuck shop mom who was very involved in her kids’ schooling. “My friend in her life only knew one man and loved him dearly.” Pietropaolo’s 90-year old father was killed in March in a similar manner during what was believed to be a botched robbery.