Snl24 | No release for Skeem Saam actress’ dad
Father of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, William Manku was denied bail for the second time. Photo by Kgalalelo Tlhoaele
THEY say two time’s a charm, but not in this instance.
The father of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku, William Manku, was denied bail for the second time.
He appeared in the Lebowakgomo Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 2 July, for his bail application based on new facts, which unfortunately didn’t sway the court in his favour.
The 53-year-old was arrested in January, along with his co-accused David Khoza, who is allegedly one of the hitmen involved in the murder of his wife, Gladys Manku, and mother-in-law, Letty Maphothoma.
Following his initial bail denial in February, William appealed the decision, but the appeal was dismissed. In June 2024, he instructed his lawyer, Advocate California Mathabatha, to reapply for bail citing new facts.
Among the reasons presented were his deteriorating psychological health and financial situation. William claimed he was experiencing an ancestral calling that left him feeling haunted and threatened.
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“If I don’t follow my calling, I will go mad or be killed by my ancestors,” he testified.Â
He also emphasised the hardship his children were facing without him.
“My children said that things are hard for them. They said that life isn’t the same anymore and they pleaded for me to be released,” he said.Â
However, the court concluded that the evidence and reasons presented in the new facts application were insufficient to grant bail.Â
Both William and David are scheduled to appear again on Thursday, 4 July, in the Magatla Magistrates Court in Zebediela, where David will apply for his bail.
David had previously expressed his desire for bail, contradicting his Legal Aid lawyer’s statement in February that he had abandoned the idea.
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