Moyahabo Mabeba
Aubrey Manaka, who murdered and raped Precious Ramabulana in a most brutal way imaginable, wants forgiveness.
In his confession in court, Manaka said: “I forcefully entered Precious’s room and when I realised that she was not willing to talk to me, I stabbed her several times and after overpowering her I then raped her. I also stole some of her belongings, which included a phone.”
Appearing before Judge Francis Kganyago in the Polokwane High Court on Wednesday, Manaka said he visited his aunt in Mokomene and while walking down the street, he saw Precious, a Capricorn TVET College student in Botlokwa, dancing with her friends on the patio of her home. He said he developed a love for her.
“I do not have a valid reason to justify my actions. I therefore plead guilty to these charges. I regret what I did and wish her family could forgive me,” he said.
He was subsequently arrested at his parents’ home in Nyakelang village on 28 November by Crime Intelligence, the Hawks and detectives. He was found in possession of Precious’s cellphone, bloodstained clothes and a sharp object.
Precious’s aunt, Mavis Sethlodumela, said they were relieved that Manaka had pleaded guilty to the charges.
“We are relieved that justice will be finally served and the perpetrator will pay for what he did. We are appealing for a harsher sentence though this will not bring back our daughter,” she said.
Manaka is expected to be sentenced on Thursday.
