Sorry for killing Precious, says rapist
I was drunk but I can’t justify my actions, says Manaka
Aubrey Manaka has pleaded guilty after confessing to raping and killing college student Precious Ramabulana at Mokomene in Limpopo in 2019.
In his confession statement which was read out by his attorney Lawrence Manzini in the Limpopo High Court, 29-year-old Manaka said he saw Ramabulana only once when he went to visit his relative in Mokomene, a rural area 60km northeast of Polokwane, and he immediately developed feelings for her.
This was on November 23 2019.
“I saw Ramabulana and her friend playing music and dancing at her place. I then developed interest. I then went to watch a local soccer match and from there I went to a nearby tavern where I had a few beers,” he said.
Manaka revealed to the court that he lacked valour to approach Ramabulana, 21, to declare his feelings during the day.
“When I went to her place in the early hours [of the morning], I knocked and she didn’t open the door... I forced myself inside her room but she didn’t give me a chance to speak. Eventually a fight ensued and I stabbed her with a knife to overpower her,” he said.
Manaka added that after he then raped Ramabulana.
The body of Ramabulana, a Capricorn TVET College student who was from Nzhelele was found in her rented off-campus room.
Manaka is charged with murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and house breaking with intent to rape Ramabulana from whom he stole two cellphones.
Dressed in a brown jersey and jeans, Manaka said though he was drunk he didn’t have any reason to justify his actions, adding that he was sorry.
“I apologise for my actions particularly to the Ramabulana family and the country at large. I don’t have any valid defence for my actions,” he said.
Judge Francis Kganyago said the court was satisfied that Manaka has admitted to his crimes. Trial continues today.
Prosecutor Trot Mphahlele said the trial was scheduled for the whole week but after a discussion with Manzini on Tuesday, it was agreed that it should be two days.
Manaka briefly spoke to media after the proceedings, emphasising his apology to the family: “I’m asking for Precious’ family to forgive me.”
Reacting to Manaka’s plea and confession, Ramabulana’s aunt Mavis Sitholimela said though the family was still in pain, they have regained confidence in the justice system.
“We are still in pain and what happened in court has given us a little bit of hope. It took us long to be here and we will see how the sentence will go,” she said.
Sitholimela said the family had forgiven Manaka but justice must be served.
“We have forgiven him but the justice system should punish him accordingly.”