‘Have to be strong’: ‘Skeem Saam’ Star Amanda Manku on Her Dad ‘Killing’ Her Mom, Gogo
‘Have to be strong’: ‘Skeem Saam’ Star Amanda Manku on Her Dad ‘Killing’ Her Mom, Gogo
Actress and presenter Amanda Manku recently opened up about the tragic murders of her mother and grandmother, allegedly orchestrated by her father, William Manku. The Skeem Saam actress and SuperSport presenter shared her ordeal during an Instagram Q&A session.
Amanda Manku’s Ordeal:
In May 2021, Gladys Manku and her mother, Lettie Maphuthuma, were shot and killed. Three years later, Amanda’s father, William Manku, a police captain, was arrested for allegedly hiring hitmen to murder them. During a recent Q&A session on Instagram, Amanda discussed her emotional well-being since her father’s arrest.
“I am okay. I think there is a lot going on in my personal life right now that if I was not strong, it could get me down, but I don’t have that option. Unfortunately, I don’t have the option to be weak. I don’t have the privilege of being weak. I have to be strong,” Amanda said.
“There are some hectic things that I think a lot of people know about that have been in the limelight. Particularly is losing my parents and the aftermath of that but other than that we move,” she added.
The Arrests:
William Manku (53), his girlfriend Nonhlanhla Ngubo (42), and David Khoza (40) were arrested in January this year. Ngubo was later released, while Manku was denied bail, and Khoza abandoned his. The pair have been in custody since their arrest and face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and robbery with aggravated circumstances.
On Monday, 24 June, Manku and Khoza appeared at the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court for another bail application based on new facts. The matter was postponed to Tuesday, 25 June.
William Manku’s Confession:
In his bail application affidavit, Manku revealed his desire to be released on bail to resign from his position as a police officer at Magatle Police Station. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi detailed the events leading to the murders, stating that Amanda’s mother and grandmother were shot dead by unknown suspects while fetching water at a local tap. Amanda’s uncle, who was also present, was injured but survived.
According to the investigation officer, Manku confessed to hiring hitmen and driving them to point out his mother-in-law’s house. The hitmen returned to Gauteng, only to come back later to complete the task. When the hitmen mistakenly killed both women, they informed Manku, who clarified that one of the victims was his wife. The hitmen claimed they thought she might alert the community, leading to their capture.
Amanda Manku’s tragic story underscores the profound emotional toll such events can have, and her strength in the face of adversity is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
