POLOKWANE – The father of ‘Skeem Saam’ actress Amanda Manku will be sentenced on January 18 after being found guilty of murdering his wife and mother-in-law.

William Manku, a former police captain, was convicted of the double murder in the Polokwane High Court on October 26. Sentencing was postponed to January to allow for the preparation of pre-sentencing reports.

Manku was found guilty of murdering his wife, Gladys, and his mother-in-law, Lettie Maphothoma. The two women were shot dead in May 2024 while returning from collecting water in Makgophong village, Zebediela.

The state argued that the killings were premeditated and linked to marital problems.

Daughter’s testimony

During the trial, Amanda testified as a state witness, telling the court that she confronted her father following his arrest in 2024, and that he admitted his involvement.

The court rejected the defence’s argument that the confession had been made under duress.

Ballistic evidence presented during the trial indicated that two firearms were used in the killings.

Court’s findings

Manku was convicted on two counts of murder but acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder. The court found that convicting him of both murder and conspiracy would amount to duplication of charges.

Manku’s co-accused, David Khoza, was acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence to convict him.

Manku will return to the Polokwane High Court on January 18 for sentencing.