Taking notes, alleged Daveyton/Thembisa serial rapist Sipho Lucas Phiri looked indifferent as the first witness in the trial against him took the stand on September 9.
Testifying in isiZulu, the 28-year-old complainant from Putfontein recounted the events of May 4, 2021, during a Gauteng Division High Court sitting at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.
Acting on behalf of the State, Ester Kabini asked the witness to identify the man she claims raped her after he offered her a lift to her place of work.
“It is him,” she said pointing at Phiri.
The first witness in the trial against Sipho Lucas Phiri, the alleged Daveyton/Thembisa has taken the stand for a second day.
The witness claims the accused raped her on May 4, 2021, after he offered her a lift.#serialrapist #crime #benoninews #benonimagistratescourt #Benoni pic.twitter.com/mLU77ZYe5w
— Benoni City Times (@benonicitytimes) September 10, 2024
A short recess was called for the witness to compose herself.
During her cross-examination, defence advocate Marianne Mampuru referred to notes from Phiri, in response to the witness’ testimony.
“I put it to you that during your interactions with the accused, while in his vehicle, you mentioned that you were not happy with your current employment,” said Mampuru.
“The accused indicated that he could get you a job at a local mine, with better benefits. At this time you agreed to consensual sex in exchange for R500.
“Due to an urgent meeting at his work, the accused was unable to withdraw the agreed-upon money which angered you and resulted in you laying a charge of rape.”
The witness vehemently refuted these statements.
Second witness
Stepping onto the stand, a 33-year-old complainant from Thembisa took the oath with shaking hands, on September 10.
Answering questions posed by Kabini, the witness stated that she was raped by the accused on September 18, 2018, after he offered her and another male commuter lifts home.
Mampuru countered the witness’ testimony stating that Phiri claims he offered the complainant a lift as she allegedly did not have money to pay other motorists, another taxi or a ride-sharing vehicle.
“The accused claims that the complainant mentioned that she was unsure how she would get through the month, financially,” said Mampuru.
“The accused further claims that he offered the complainant R1 000 to ease her financial stress in exchange for sex. He was, however, mistaken and only had R200 in his possession.”
The victim refuted these claims as lies.
