Skeem Saam actress’ dad back in court

THE heart-wrenching murder trial involving the father of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku is set to resume on Monday, 12 May.

The trial will take place at Polokwane High Court following a previous postponement in February.

William Manku (53) and his co-accused David Khoza (40) are facing charges for the brutal murder of Amanda’s mother, Gladys Manku, and grandmother, Lettie Maphothoma, in May 2021.

The trial, which began earlier this year on 10 February, had to be adjourned when Manku’s lawyer was unable to continue due to a family emergency involving his injured child. Both men remained in custody.

Six witnesses, including Amanda herself, were expected to take the stand this week. During the last court sitting, Amanda’s uncle gave chilling testimony, detailing how the family was ambushed by two armed men as they returned home after fetching water.

He described receiving a suspicious phone call shortly before the shooting and spotting a strange vehicle with Mpumalanga plates that raised concern among the victims. According to him, two armed men emerged on the road, opened fire without warning, and left both women fatally wounded.

Amanda’s mother was shot in the chest, while her grandmother was hit in the leg and chest before the witness fled.

Amanda, known for her role as Elizabeth Thobakgale on the popular SABC1 drama, has remained largely silent in public but was present during the previous hearings and is expected to testify.

The case continues to draw public interest and strong emotions, as many fans and community members await justice for the slain women.