The trial against Sipho Lucas Phiri, dubbed the Daveyton/Thembisa serial rapist, is drawing to a close with the state and defence entering their closing arguments.
Proceedings resumed on November 2, during a Gauteng High Court sitting at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.
Submitting her final arguments, State Prosecutor Esther Kabini meticulously recounted the statements and testimony entered into the public record during the cross-examination of complainants, in the trial which commenced on August 28, 2024.
“I intend to draw similarities between witness testimonies, thus creating a clear distinction of the accused’s modus operandi,” she said.
“Similarities include statements that complainants testified that he wore a uniform associated with the security industry, creating a sense of trust with the victims, when he offered them a lift from areas that he described as dangerous.
“Another thread of evidence includes testimony that he was armed and threatened the complainants, while similarities before and after the rapes were glaringly similar.
“Samples from rape kits dated between 2018 and 2023 were analysed and compared to Phiri’s, 21 showed the presence of donor DNA matching that of the accused. In these instances, the accused admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with the complainants, maintaining that it was consensual and in exchange for money.
“It is an indication that he tailored his version of the incidents to build his defence.
The former Prasa security guard is charged with 44 counts of rape, allegedly committed between 2018 and 2023, in Thembisa, Norkem Park, Daveyton and Putfontein.
The Chief Luthuli resident faces further charges, including 43 counts of kidnapping, 41 of pointing a firearm, and 17 more that include fraud, the obstruction of justice, compelling someone to witness a sexual act, and contravening the Police and Firearms Control Acts.
Since the start of the trial, 63 witnesses, including complainants and a representative of the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria (who requested anonymity), have taken the witness stand.
The matter will resume again from December 7 to 11.
Phiri remains behind bars.
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