Case against Skeem Saam actress’ police father postponed to next week

The father of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, who plays Lizzy Thobakgale, will remain behind bars after his double murder case was postponed to next week Tuesday. Manku’s father captain William Manku, his girlfriend Seargent Nonhlanhla Ngubo and hitman David Khoza were arrested last week for the murders, which were committed in May 2021.

The suspects are facing two counts of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances and defeating the course of justice. Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused were remanded in custody after their appearance at the Lebowakgomo Magistrates Court yesterday. “The matter was postponed to 23 January 2024, the state was not ready because of 212 affidavit (profile and status verification of accused one) David Khoza,” she said.

Manku’s grandmother and mother were killed in 2021 and the police only made a breakthrough, almost three years after the murders. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, on that fateful day, Manku’s 70-year-old grandmother and 45-year-old mother were shot dead by an unknown man while they were fetching water from a community tap.

At the time, Manku’s uncle who was in the company of the deceased was also shot and injured but survived. When the trio was arrested, Mashaba said the police confiscated firearms which will be subjected to ballistic tests. The car that was used to commit the crime and the cellphone belonging to Manku’s mother were seized from the suspects. In a statement last week, Manku’s family confirmed the arrest.

The family can now confirm three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. The suspects will appear in court again on January 18 at Magatle, Zebediela. This is a difficult time for the family, but we are trusting the SAPS and the judicial system to run its course as its necessary to bring the matter to a close. We thank the public for their support during this time.