The case of William Manku, a South African actor’s father, has drawn significant attention as he faces charges for the murder of his wife and mother-in-law. Manku, who is currently in custody, recently reapplied for bail, citing his psychological health and financial concerns as the primary reasons, according to Daily Sun.
During his court appearance on June 25th, Manku took the stand and provided a compelling testimony. He revealed that he has been struggling with the presence of aggressive ancestral spirits, which have been troubling him since he was denied bail. Manku explained that he had previously been attending an initiation school to address these spiritual matters, but his arrest and incarceration have prevented him from continuing the process.
“I was going to initiation school during my off days. Now that I don’t go, they trouble me. They come with threats that because I have started and am not continuing, I might be mentally ill, or they might come and kill me,” William said.
The accused stated that the visits from the ancestral spirits have become more frequent, occurring both at night and during the day. Manku expressed his inability to cope with the situation, mentioning that he sometimes finds it difficult to focus on conversations due to the disturbances. He further elaborated that prior to his involvement with the initiation school, he had experienced physical ailments, such as swollen legs, which were alleviated once he began the thwasa (traditional healing) process.
Manku’s advocate argued that his client’s psychological well-being and financial stability are critical factors that should be considered in the bail application. The court proceedings have shed light on the complex interplay between the legal system and traditional spiritual beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who find themselves navigating both realms simultaneously.
As the case continues to unfold, the public will undoubtedly follow the developments with keen interest, particularly as Manku’s reapplication for bail and the ongoing legal proceedings unfold. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of justice and the need for a nuanced understanding of the diverse cultural and spiritual belief systems that shape the lives of individuals within the South African context.
