Lerato Mbhiza
The 22-year-old Sifiso Mkhwanazi has been found guilty of the murder and rape of six sex workers whose bodies were found hidden in his father’s workshop in Johannesburg between April and October 2022.
“The charges emanate from the discovery of six female bodies at the premises of a panel-beating business in Rosettenville, in October 2022,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
One of the caretakers had discovered a female’s body at one of the unused offices at the premises and alerted the owner.
The business owner, who is the father of the accused, summoned the police who discovered five more bodies at various locations within the premises.
The state alleged that Mkhwanazi raped and killed the sex workers whom he picked up from the Johannesburg CBD, between April and October 2022
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
However, Mkhwanazi tendered admissions in terms of section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The section states that an accused or his legal adviser may, in criminal proceedings, admit any fact placed in issue at such proceedings and such admission shall be sufficient proof of such fact.
Mkhwanazi admitted to killing the females, using an arm choke, and to defeating or obstructing the administration of justice by concealing their bodies at different locations at the premises of the panel-beating business.
He denied that the murders were premeditated and said the sexual intercourse was consensual.
Judge Cassim Moosa found Mkhwanazi guilty of six counts of murder, six of rape, six of defeating the ends of justice, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In addition Judge Moosa found that the murders of the sex workers were planned and that Mkwanazi’s intention was to kill the victims.
The case has been postponed to the 8th of May for pre-sentence proceedings.
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