Ekurhuleni serial rapist sentenced to multiple life terms
Convicted serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi was handed multiple life sentences by the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Phakathi was handed 42 life terms, which will run concurrently, by Acting Judge Lesego Makolomakwe.
The Ekurhuleni serial rapist was found guilty of 90 counts of rape, four counts of compelled rape, three counts of causing a child to witness a sexual act, 43 counts of kidnapping, two counts of assault as well as four counts of theft.
He pleaded guilty to 148 charges.
Acting Judge Makolomakwe said the court is mandated to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the offences committed and the nature of the crime.
“The public’s outcry is considered, but it does not influence the verdict or any of the court proceedings,” Makolomakwe stated.
Civil society organisation NotInMyName International welcomed the court’s decision and said it hoped that the sentence would deter others and instil a sense of faith in the country’s judicial system.
The movement’s Secretary General, Themba Masango, said they also hoped the sentence would provide some relief and justice to the families of the victims.
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