Staff Reporter.
Ekurhuleni serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi gets multiple life terms for 148 charges of rape, sexual assault and kidnapping.
Phakathi appeared in the High Court in Johannesburg sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Friday.
He 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.
Acting judge Lesego Makolomakwe said the sentence would send a message that crime against women and children will not be tolerated.
She said she had considered mitigating and aggravating factors, evidence presented and the impact of the crimes on victims and their families.
“The motive for the offences remains unknown. The use of a firearm and a knife indicates the offences were premeditated. The accused would approach some of the victims in their houses,”she said. Some of the children were raped while wearing school uniforms and on their way to school.
Phakathi terrorised girls and women in Ekurhuleni, mostly in areas east of Benoni.
He was arrested at Barcelona section in Etwatwa. His rape spree dates to 2012, with victims aged from nine to the 40s, whom he would follow in Daveyton, Putfontein, Crystal Park and Etwatwa.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.