Thembisa serial rapist sentenced

Gift Mkhwanazi, described as the “beast of Thembisa”, was sentenced to 12 life sentences and an added 300 years in jail for a series of rapes committed in and around Thembisa between 2013 and June 2019.
He was sentenced in the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Local Division.
Mkhwanazi was charged with 104 counts, including rape, kidnapping, pointing a firearm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault and attempted murder.
According to Phindi Mjonondwane, regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Local Division, more than 19 dockets with the same modus operandi were reported to the SAPS in which women were attacked on the streets late at night or early in the morning.
The victims were unable to identify the perpetrator who approached them from behind and forced them into bushes or secluded areas with a handgun or knife. He would then rob them of their money and cellphones before raping them.
Mkhwanazi was apprehended following the arrest of one of his friends found in possession of one of the complainant’s cellphone.
He was linked through DNA that was obtained from one crime scene and complainants.
Mkhwanazi stated during the trial he was unfamiliar with any of the witnesses who testified in court.
He acknowledged the DNA report but refused to explain why his DNA matched those of 17 victims and one crime scene.
He also denied robbing, kidnapping or raping the witnesses, as well as having a knife or pistol in his hands.
Adele de Klerk, the State advocate, argued there was no evidence to support any conclusion that any of the witnesses collaborated with other witnesses to incriminate the accused.
She pleaded with the court to reject the accused’s version, saying, “There are no inherent improbabilities that militate against the admission of the State witnesses’ evidence.”
The NPA congratulated Det Sgt Mangwale and de Klerk for the arrest and prosecution.