Amanda Manku to testify against her father for murder.
Court bans William Manku’s sister from attending his murder trial after she allegedly sent WhatsApp messages to state witnesses.
The court granted an application by the state to prohibit the sister of accused William Manku from attending court proceedings.
The ruling was handed down on Thursday, 5 February, during the ongoing murder trial.
The decision follows allegations by the state that the sister had been communicating with state witnesses by sending them WhatsApp messages and voice notes.
These developments emerged during the trial of William Manku, the father of Skeem Saam actress Amanda Manku.
Manku and his co-accused are facing charges relating to the murder of his wife and mother-in-law, who were killed in May 2021.
Earlier in the week the court warned that intimidation would not be tolerated and that anyone found responsible could face arrest and detention.
On Thursday, the state prosecutor formally approached the court with an application seeking to bar the sister from the courtroom.
“The state is opening an application. She has been communicating with the witnesses, sending voice notes previously. It’s simply on the basis that it might interfere with the trial,” she said.
The defence supported the application, arguing that allowing such conduct could cause unnecessary disruptions and delays in the matter.
“My lady in light of what was brought to the court and what we discussed, I think it would be in the best interest of accused number one and that we don’t have side issues that are going to delay us from the trial,” he said.
The court subsequently granted the application and issued a firm directive.
“Application granted from now on she is not allowed to enter this court or these proceedings in addition to that she is also not allowed to have any communication with the witnesses,” she said.
So far, two state witnesses have testified in the matter. Amanda Manku is expected to take the stand as the next witness when the trial resumes tomorrow, 6 February 2026.
