The trial of Mandlankosi Galadla resumed in the Kempton Park Regional Court on January 22.

Galadla faces multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, rape and aggravated robbery, linked to an alleged two-year crime spree in Kempton Park between 2020 and his arrest on October 28, 2022.

According to court records, Galadla allegedly lured women to open fields, where they were murdered and their bodies set alight. The known victims were between the ages of 19 and 40.

In 2009, Galadla was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment for murder and rape but was later released after successfully appealing his conviction.

Also read: Kempton Park murder and kidnapping trial resumes as key witness testifies

During proceedings, Regional Court Prosecutor Sibongile Nxumalo called Sergeant Thandazile Chabalala to testify.

Chabalala told the court that she reported for duty at approximately 05:45 on July 25, 2020, and was informed that Visible Policing members were attending a crime scene in Thembisa, Mqantsha, near the railway line.

On arrival, she was shown a lifeless female body lying on her back.

Paramedics later confirmed that the woman was deceased and demonstrated that she had been strangled, with visible marks on her neck.

Chabalala testified that a photographer was called to the scene, photographs were taken and evidence was collected and placed into forensic bags.

She further stated that the deceased could not be identified at the scene, although fingerprints were taken.

Also read: Accused Kempton Park serial killer’s trial hears chilling testimony

The court also heard testimony from the boyfriend of Matsieng Mokoena, who asked not to be identified.

He told the court he last communicated with his girlfriend via WhatsApp on July 25, 2020, until approximately 01:30 the following morning.

He said he became concerned when her phone later rang unanswered before eventually going to voicemail.

He learned of her death on July 27, after receiving a call from a woman, followed by a call from the deceased’s mother.

He denied any involvement in Mokoena’s death.

Testimony was also heard from a workshop owner, identified as Joshua, who told the court that Galadla visited his workshop on July 24, 2020, with a man identified as Stanly and his daughter.

The group sold a VW Polo for R20 000.

Joshua said the money was counted by Galadla before being handed to Stanly. He added that Stanly appeared very ill and struggled to speak.

The matter was postponed to January 29 for further hearing.