William Manku, father of popular Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, faced the Lebowakgomo Magistrates Court for a third time on Friday, October 4th, his bail application again rejected.
Manku appeared with new legal representation, Attorney Phaladi Kanyane, who presented what he described as "new facts" to the court, pleading for his client's release. Kanyane explained that he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the departure of Manku’s previous legal team.
The defence argued that Manku, as primary caregiver to his children, including a mentally ill son requiring expensive medical care, needed to be released on bail.
"My children sometimes depend on neighbours for handouts. My son’s health is deteriorating," stated Manku in his affidavit.
However, the investigating officer countered this, expressing her continued opposition to bail. She revealed that Manku had failed to attend a scheduled disciplinary hearing at work, only for it to later emerge that he had resigned with the assistance of his previous lawyer. The officer’s testimony took an emotional turn as she challenged Manku's claim of wanting to support his children.
"He mustn’t come and claim that he loves his children when he never showed them love. He failed his kids and mustn’t come and say that he wants to be released so that he can take care of his children," she stated.
She further noted that Amanda Manku is currently caring for her mentally ill brother and paying for her sister's school fees.
"She fed you with lies and now makes it a fact and tells this court that it is facts," Kanyane asserted.
The state prosecutor, Prince Mola, dismissed the defence's claims of new facts, stating that the arguments presented were the same as those previously rejected by the court.
"The applicant was denied bail the first time with the same facts, as well as the second time," Mola argued.
The court adjourned the matter, postponing the bail judgment until October 17th. Amanda Manku, present in court, departed before reporters could speak with her.
The investigating officer disclosed that a trial date has been set for January 2025 in the Polokwane High Court, indicating a significant step forward in the judicial process. The ongoing legal battle surrounding William Manku's bail application continues to attract significant public interest, particularly given the high profile of his daughter and the tragic circumstances surrounding the charges against him. The upcoming judgment will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of this complex and emotionally charged case.
