Skeem Saam Star Amanda Manku Shocks Court With Dad’s Dark Confession After Killing Her Mom And Granny

Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku stepped into the Polokwane High Court and dropped testimony that left jaws on the floor and the courtroom dead silent.

The beloved actress, best known for bringing Elizabeth Thobakgale-Seakamela to life on SABC1’s hit soapie, testified as a state witness in the murder trial of her own father, William Manku — a moment that blurred the line between celebrity headlines and real-life heartbreak.

Amanda, now 34, took the stand with visible composure, confirming that the two victims in the case were her mother and grandmother. What followed was a painful unpacking of a family story marked by distance, betrayal and a confession that changed everything.

Before the tragedy, Amanda told the court that her relationship with her father was mostly stable — until it wasn’t. She described how he slowly pulled away, leaving her confused and searching for answers that never came.

Amanda Manku father confession leaves courtroom shaken

According to Amanda’s testimony, her parents’ marriage had been on life support for years, largely due to her father’s alleged extramarital affair. The situation reportedly took a devastating toll on her mother, who struggled deeply after discovering the betrayal.

The court heard that the marriage was nearing its end, with divorce and maintenance plans on the table — plans that were never finalised after her mother realised their marriage certificate had mysteriously disappeared.

William Manku later moved out of the family home in March 2021. While he continued to provide financially and assist with school transport, Amanda said he never explained why he left — a silence that now feels loaded in hindsight.

But the moment that stopped the room came when Amanda recalled confronting her father after his arrest.

She told the court that she asked him directly whether he was guilty. His response? That he “didn’t do it with his own hands” — before eventually confirming his involvement when pressed for a clear yes or no.

Her reaction was immediate and final. From that day, she told him, she no longer considered herself his daughter.

From Instagram tribute to the witness stand

Long before the trial, Amanda had publicly mourned her grandmother on Instagram, posting a heartfelt Sepedi tribute in February 2024 that spoke of daily remembrance and love — a post that now reads differently in light of her testimony.

During cross-examination, the defence attempted to cast doubt on her account, suggesting emotion may have shaped her interpretation. Amanda didn’t budge.

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She told the court she had no reason to lie, adding that others were present when her father allegedly made the confession. Despite the defence’s insistence that William Manku denies both involvement and the conversation, Amanda stood firm.

As she stepped down, the tension lingered. The case — now postponed to mid-May 2026 — continues to unravel a story of family bonds broken in the most public and painful way.