The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court was left stunned this week after William Manku, the father of *Skeem Saam* actress Amanda Manku, made a chilling confession regarding the murders of his ex-wife and former mother-in-law. The case, which has drawn widespread public attention because of its link to the popular television star, took a dramatic turn when Manku’s statement was read out in court and he reportedly bowed his head in shame.
On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, Manku appeared in court alongside his co-accused as the long-awaited trial officially began. He stands accused of ordering the murders of Gladys Manku, his ex-wife, and Lettie Maphothoma, his former mother-in-law. According to details presented in court, Manku allegedly admitted that he had approached hitmen to carry out the killing, a confession that has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment industry and the broader public.
In his statement, Manku reportedly explained that the chain of events began when he confided in friends about his strained relationship with his mother-in-law. He claimed that during these discussions, he was advised to have her killed. The men allegedly recommended an individual known as Eric, who they said could arrange the murder. Manku is said to have agreed and was given a price for the job, although he could not recall the exact amount.
He further told the court that he showed the men where they could find Lettie Maphothoma. However, in a tragic turn of events, the hitmen allegedly ended up killing both Lettie and Gladys, turning the plan into a double murder. The court heard that Manku’s girlfriend’s car was used to travel to Limpopo, where he allegedly pointed out the residence of the intended target.
What made the confession even more dramatic was Manku’s apparent attempt to protect his girlfriend. In court, he reportedly asked that she be released, insisting that she had no knowledge of the plan and played no role in the murders. “I take responsibility for everything,” he is said to have stated, adding that she was unaware of what he was doing.
This admission marks a significant shift from Manku’s earlier claims. In October, he allegedly told the court that police officers had forced him to confess. He claimed at the time that an officer pressured him, saying he would receive a lighter sentence and that his girlfriend would be released if he cooperated. The sudden change in his version of events has raised questions and added another layer of complexity to an already disturbing case.
The tragedy has inevitably cast a shadow over Amanda Manku, who is widely known for her role on *Skeem Saam*. While she has not been directly involved in the proceedings, the case has placed her family under intense public scrutiny.
As the trial continues, South Africans are watching closely to see how justice will unfold. The court is expected to hear further testimony that will shed more light on the planning and execution of the crimes, as well as the roles played by each of the accused. For now, Manku’s confession stands as a grim reminder of how personal conflicts can spiral into devastating and irreversible consequences.
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