Ekurhuleni serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi gets multiple life sentences [VIDEO]

Ekurhuleni serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi has been sentenced to multiple life terms.

Phakathi appeared in the High Court in Johannesburg sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Friday.

Phakathi has been sentenced to 42 life terms for rape, along with 791 years and 6 months of direct imprisonment for kidnapping, compelling a minor to witness a sexual act, sexual assault, and theft.

Judgement

Judge Lesego Makolomakwe said the court is mandated to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the offences committed and the nature of the crime.

“Our courts have an obligation in imposing sentences for such a crime, particularly when it involves young, innocent, defenceless and vulnerable girls.”  

Makolomakwe ordered Pakathi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, and to the National Child Protection Register.

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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.

Phakathi was sentenced as one of SA’s worst serial rapists. He pleaded guilty to 148 charges.

WATCH: Sentenced being handed down

Reign of terror

Phakathi’s reign of terror began in 2012 until 2021 in Ekurhuleni. Majority of his victims were school-going children, the youngest being 9 years old, while the oldest was a 44-year-old female.

Phakathi’s youngest victim was a nine-year-old girl and his oldest victim was a 43-year-old woman.

He was shot in the leg while trying to flee from the police. While half the limb had to be amputated, he was later found physically and mentally fit to serve prison time.

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