Father of Skeem Saam Actress Confesses to Involvement in Double Murder
William Manku, the father of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, has admitted to ordering a hit on his mother-in-law and acknowledged that his wife was accidentally shot and killed. Manku, a police captain, appeared in court alongside his girlfriend, Sergeant Nonhlahla Ngubo, and alleged hitman David Khoza for a bail hearing at the Magatle Magistrate's Court in Zebediela, Limpopo.
The trio faces a range of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, two counts of murder, and obstruction of justice. Khoza, the first accused (40), has chosen not to apply for bail, while Manku, the second accused (53), with over 30 years of service in the police force, and Ngubo, the third accused (42), have sought bail. The arrests took place a few weeks ago in connection with the double murder of Manku's mother-in-law, Lettie Maphuthuma (70), and his wife, Gladys Manku (45). The tragic incident occurred while they were returning from fetching water at Makgophong village in May 2021.
During cross-examination of the investigating officer, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, revealed that Manku confessed to wanting his mother-in-law dead. "He sought out individuals to carry out the killing, driving with them to show them where his mother-in-law lived before returning to Gauteng," Malabi-Dzhangi stated. She further explained that the hired hitmen, following Manku's instructions, returned to Limpopo to eliminate his mother-in-law. "After completing the task, the hitmen contacted Manku, informing him that they had inadvertently killed two individuals instead of one. They explained that Manku's wife was shot as she attempted to flee after her mother was targeted. They feared she would expose them to the community, thus necessitating her elimination," Malabi-Dzhangi added. Additionally, it was revealed that Manku made a payment to the hitmen following the murders. Malabi-Dzhangi also disclosed previous instances of domestic violence cases reported by Amanda's mother against her husband.
