The murder trial linked to the deaths of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku’s mum and gogo resumed in the Polokwane Magistrates Court in Limpopo on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
The defence requested a trial within a trial over an alleged confession by accused number two, David Khoza.
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Amanda’s dad, William Manku and his co-accused remain in custody in connection with the deadly shooting of Amanda’s mum and gogo, who were killed in May 2021.
Proceedings took a different turn when Khoza’s legal representatives informed the court that they intended to challenge the admissibility of a statement allegedly made by their client to police.
The defence argued that the statement wasn’t made freely and voluntarily.
According to the defence, Khoza wasn’t properly informed of his constitutional rights before making the statement.
They further argued that a communication breakdown occurred between Khoza and the police official involved, as the officer allegedly spoke Sepedi while Khoza primarily spoke isiZulu.
The defence argued that no isiZulu interpreter was provided during the interaction.
They also claimed that Khoza was assaulted by officials and pressured into admitting knowledge of the matter.
However, the state maintains that proper procedures were followed.
A witness testified about the events of 8 January 2024, when Khoza was allegedly interviewed while in custody.
She told the court that she had been instructed to fetch Khoza from the holding cells in Seshego for the double murder investigation.
The witness stated that, before Khoza was removed from the cells, officials asked if he had any complaints or injuries, to which he allegedly replied that he had none.
According to the testimony, communication between the witness and Khoza took place mainly in Sepedi and Setswana.
The witness stated that Khoza appeared to understand the discussion and was informed of his legal rights before any conversation proceeded.
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The court also heard that when Khoza allegedly began explaining what had happened, the witness stopped him and called a more senior officer to handle the statement-taking process formally.
The trial within a trial continues.
