Precious Ramabulana murder trial: Aubrey Manaka pleads guilty

LIMPOPO – Aubrey Manaka, who is accused of killing Capricorn TVET College student, Precious Ramabulana, appeared in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane today (June 9).

Manaka (28) faces charges of murder, rape, robbery and housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, according to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.

Read more: ‘SA justice system fails Precious Ramabulana’

Ramabulana, a 21-year-old college student at Capricorn TVET’s Ramokgopa campus, was found stabbed to death in her room in an off-campus residence in Mokomene on November 24, 2019. The police found her body in a pool of blood with several stab wounds.

An intensive police manhunt was launched for the suspect and Manaka was arrested at his parental home in Nyakelang Village, Botlokwa on November 28, 2019. Manaka abandoned bail during his first court appearance on December 2, 2019, and was remanded in custody.

Also read: Precious Ramabulana murder trial postponed

Police investigations also revealed that Manaka was involved in the rape case of a four-year-old girl in 2014. This case has since been reinstated, according to an earlier statement by police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.

Manaka’s trial for the murder of Ramabulana was set to start on Monday, June 7, however it was postponed to June 9 as Manaka was still in quarantine for Covid-19.

Malabi-Dzhangi said he appeared in court today and pleaded guilty to murder, rape, robbery and housebreaking with intent to rape.

“The count of the rape of a minor has been withdrawn as the J88 of 2014 indicated that there was no penetration, which the doctor also confirmed adding that the victim had no injuries. After consultation, the child also said Manaka did not rape her,” she explained.

Malabi-Dzhangi added that the matter was adjourned to tomorrow (June 10).

“The defence will address the court on mediation and the state will address the court on aggravation of sentence.