**Court Proceedings Begin**
The highly anticipated murder trial of **William Manku**, the father of *Skeem Saam* actress Amanda Manku, and his co-accused **David Khoza** officially commenced on **Monday, 10 February** at the **Polokwane Magistrates Court**. The two men face multiple serious charges, including **conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and robbery with aggravated circumstances**.
Both **Manku (53)** and **Khoza (41)** have pleaded **not guilty** to all charges related to the murder of Manku’s **mother-in-law, Lettie Maphothoma, and his wife, Gladys Manku**. The tragic incident has drawn significant public attention, with family, friends, and supporters closely following the proceedings.
## **Police Testimony Reveals Harrowing Details**
A key witness in the case, a **police sergeant from Magatle SAPS**, took the stand for cross-examination by both the **state prosecutor** and the **defense lawyers**. Her testimony provided chilling details of the night the murders took place.
The sergeant, whose name **cannot be disclosed**, stated that she was **on duty in her police uniform** on the evening of **4 May 2024**, when she received a complaint about a shooting in **Makgopong** at **22:12**. She immediately responded to the call along with her colleague, a **constable**.
Upon arriving at the scene, they were met by a man who claimed to be the first person to discover the victims.
> **”We introduced ourselves, and he showed us where two female bodies were lying on the ground,”** the officer testified.
Emergency medical personnel were promptly called to assess the situation. However, it was confirmed that both women **had already succumbed to their injuries** before they could be taken to a hospital.
## **Graphic Details of the Crime Scene**
As part of the investigation, forensic specialists and pathologists were called in to examine the bodies. The sergeant’s testimony provided details of the victims’ wounds:
– **Lettie Maphothoma** sustained **gunshot wounds to the chest, stomach, and left leg**. Investigators discovered **five spent cartridges** near her body.
– **Gladys Manku** suffered **gunshot wounds to the back of the head, chest, and stomach**, with **one cartridge found** nearby.
Authorities believe the brutal attack was planned, given the nature of the crime scene and the number of gunshot wounds sustained by both victims.
## **Cross-Examination Continues**
As the trial proceeds, the defense team is expected to challenge the credibility of the police investigation and present their counterarguments. The **cross-examination of the sergeant** is still ongoing, with both legal teams focusing on the specifics of the crime scene, evidence collection, and the events leading up to the arrest of the accused.
The case continues to unfold, and the public eagerly awaits further developments.
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