THE courtroom was heavy with emotion.
This is as William Manku, dad of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Gladys Manku, and his mother-in-law, Lettie Maphothoma.
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He appeared for judgment on Monday in the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo.
Amanda’s aunts and other family members sat through the judgment, but there were no celebrations when the verdict was delivered.
Instead, they looked hurt, emotional, and almost speechless.
When Daily Sun approached them to find out how they felt, they said they’d rather not speak, explaining they were heartbroken.
William also appeared to struggle with his emotions as the judge delivered the judgment. At one point, he took out a tissue and blew his nose.
The two women were shot dead on 4 May 2021 while returning from collecting water in Limpopo. The state alleged that the killings were premeditated and linked to problems in William’s marriage following his affair.
In evaluating the evidence, the judge considered William’s confession statement, in which he admitted to arranging the killings and using his girlfriend’s car and cellphone in the process.
According to the confession, William had marital problems and believed his mother-in-law was contributing to the difficulties. He said he was introduced to men who could help him carry out the plan. He later travelled with them to Limpopo to show them where his mother-in-law lived.
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William’s girlfriend also testified that he transferred R80 000 into his account, allegedly to buy a minibus for a business. The court heard that the money was subsequently paid after the killings.
Amanda also gave crucial testimony about a conversation she had with her dad while visiting him in the holding cells. When she questioned him about the murders, he admitted his involvement, telling her: “Yes, I did, but not with my own hands.”
The judge found that the confession and Amanda’s testimony supported the state’s case. The ballistic evidence also indicated that two firearms had been used in the killings.
The second accused, David Khoza, was acquitted after the court found the state hadn’t presented sufficient evidence to prove his guilt.
William was found guilty on both murder counts but acquitted of conspiracy to murder, as the court held that convicting him of both offences in the circumstances would be repetitive.
Delivering the final judgment, the judge declared William guilty of the murders of Gladys Manku and Lettie Maphothoma.
Sentencing proceedings were postponed to 18 January 2027, when pre-sentencing reports will be considered.
