Amanda Manku's biological mother Gladys Manku and grandmother Lettie Maphothoma were brutally shot and killed outside their home in Mong Village, Limpopo, South Africa, on May 4, 2021. After a three-year investigation, police arrested Amanda's father, William Manku, a police captain, who allegedly paid a hitman R75,000 to kill his wife and mother-in-law. The motive was linked to William's affair and pending assault cases filed by Gladys. The case is ongoing with a trial expected in May 2025, where Amanda is set to testify against her father.
Country: South Africa
State/Province: Limpopo, South Africa
City/Region: Mong Village
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
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Incident Date: May 4, 2021
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2021-05-04
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English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
True Crime Julia · Original language: English
Sad case of Skeem Sam actress Amanda Manku’s mother Gladys
Domestic Violence
The case involves a domestic violence pattern where the husband, William Manku, allegedly orchestrated the murder of his wife and mother-in-law due to marital conflict, infidelity, and pending assault cases. The violence escalated to a fatal shooting, reflecting coercive control and lethal aggression within a troubled marriage.
Police investigation took three years, involving tracing the vehicle used in the killing and arresting suspects including William Manku and the hitman David COA. Charges against a third accused were withdrawn. William confessed to orchestrating the killing but claimed the hit was intended only for his mother-in-law. The case is ongoing with trial scheduled for May 2025. Amanda Manku is expected to testify.
Initial investigation had no hot leads; confusion existed about the involvement of other suspects. William's claim that the hit was only meant for his mother-in-law introduces some dispute about intent. The timing and communication between suspects were unclear.
William Manku, a police captain, had a troubled marriage with Gladys Manku, who filed assault cases against him after discovering his affair. On May 4, 2021, two men arrived at the home of Gladys and Lettie Maphothoma and shot them both. The hitman was paid R75,000 by William. The investigation traced the vehicle and weapons used, leading to arrests in 2024. William confessed but claimed the wife was not the intended target. The case is now in court with Amanda preparing to testify.
High risk due to history of assault, infidelity, and escalation to lethal violence. The involvement of a hitman indicates premeditation and serious threat to family safety.
Domestic violence and infidelity can escalate to lethal violence, especially when combined with coercive control and unresolved marital conflict. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation over time and the impact of family betrayal on victims and survivors.
Pending assault cases against William and his affair were early signals of escalating domestic conflict.
Discovery of the vehicle used in the killing and the confession by William were key clues connecting the case.
Physical evidence included the red VW Polo car, guns used in the shooting, and a cell phone belonging to Gladys. Confession by William was also strong evidence.
Neighbors and family members reported hearing multiple gunshots. A son witnessed the men at the home and the shooting. Other family members provided information about the family dynamics and events.
Initial lack of leads changed after discovery of the vehicle and arrests in 2024. Confession by William clarified involvement but introduced some dispute about the intended target.
Exact motive for killing Gladys versus the mother-in-law remains somewhat unclear. The role of the third accused was not established due to insufficient evidence.