The father of popular Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, known for her role as Lizzy Thobakgale, will continue to be detained after being charged with the murder of her mother and grandmother. The accused, identified as William Manku (53), a police captain, his girlfriend Nonhlanhla Ngubo (42), also a police officer, and a suspected hitman David Khoza (40), were apprehended on Monday in separate locations in Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Khoza was arrested at the Lebombo Port of Entry while attempting to flee the country. The breakthrough in the case came nearly three years after the tragic incident occurred in May 2021. The suspects made their appearance before the Lebowakgomo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Limpopo police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the charges against the suspects, stating, "Three suspects arrested in connection with two counts of murder that took place at Makgophong village, under the Magatle policing area on 4th May 2021, appeared before Lebowakgomo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The suspects are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, attempted murder, two counts of murder, and defeating the ends of justice." The arrest was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Limpopo Murder and Robbery Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, and Benoni Flying Squad.
The tragic shooting occurred when the 70-year-old grandmother and her 45-year-old daughter were fatally shot by unidentified assailants while collecting water from a local tap. Amanda Manku's grandmother's son was also present during the incident and sustained injuries but survived. Following the murders, the police initiated an investigation that ultimately led to the identification of the suspects and subsequent arrests. The firearms confiscated during the apprehensions will undergo ballistic testing, and the authorities have also seized the vehicle used in the commission of the crimes, as well as a phone belonging to Amanda's late mother.
The community remains shocked by the heinous crime, and the court proceedings will be closely monitored as justice is sought for the victims.
