The State closed its case against the alleged serial rapist and killer from eMbalenhle, Themba Shongwe.
He appeared in the Secunda Regional Court again on July 17.
The investigating officer, Sergeant Hezekiel Malapela was the first witness to testify when the trial resumed last week, which completed the State prosecutor’s call of witnesses.
Among these witnesses were family members of Shongwe’s alleged victims, police officers and the science laboratory experts.
Shongwe is accused of raping and murdering young girls from eMbalenhle between 2016 and 2018.
Nokulunga Nkutha (11) was reported missing in August 2016 and 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 way in November 2018.
When Shongwe’s attorney asked him if he was aware of the allegations against him, Shongwe said he was but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
He told his attorney he had witnesses who would testify on his behalf, namely his girlfriend, a family member, and friends. These people will testify in the witness box when the trial resumes on July 23.
