Themba Shongwe to stand trial in March for murder of four girls

SECUNDA – The trial of Themba Shongwe (33), alleged serial rapist and killer of children, is set for 17 and 18 March in the Secunda Regional Court.

Shongwe briefly appeared in the Regional Court dealing with sexual offenses on Wednesday, 26 November, to hear his fate.

He was caught a year ago, shortly after Mihle Singamo (14) was raped and killed.

Mihle’s body was found dumped in the street with her hands and feet tied with pieces of plastic, a few hours after she was reported missing on Wednesday, 7 November.

She is believed to be Shongwe’s fourth victim, although there are allegations that another unknown child (8) and a 26-year-old woman, Princess Mahlaba, might also be among Shongwe’s alleged body counts. Mahlaba’s body was found in a cemetery in 2017.

Shongwe will however stand trial for the rape and murder of four girls from Ext 17, eMbalenhle since 2016, as well as the rape of two more girls who managed to escape.

Nokulunga Nkutha (11) was reported missing in August 2016. Her body was dumped in the street.

Cynthia Masilela was raped, murdered and dumped in the street in 2017.

Nokulunga’s cousin, Lerato Nkutha (also 11) was raped and murdered in May 2018.

Mihle Singamo (14) was killed in the same manner in November last year.

The FCS police team, led by Sgt Hezekiel Malapela, investigated the case. This super sleuth of serial rapists has a track record of bringing sexual predators to justice and securing life sentences.