The Secunda Regional Court again postponed the trial of alleged serial killer and rapist Themba Shongwe.

Shongwe appeared before court on June 1 and surprised the gallery packed with community members from eMbalenhle, when he asked the court for a chance to question the people who allegedly burned down his house.

Magistrate Graham Cupido told him to arrange that with his lawyer. Shongwe is accused of raping and killing four girls in eMbalenhle since 2016.

Nokulunga Nkutha (11) was reported missing in August of that year, and her body was dumped in the street. Cynthia Masilela was raped, murdered and dumped in the street in 2017.

Nokulunga’s cousin, Lerato (also 11), was raped and murdered in May 2018. Mihle Singamo (14) was killed in the same manner in November 2019.

Shongwe was arrested shortly after the last murder, four years ago.

He is also facing charges in connection with the rape of two other girls who managed to escape. His next appearance is scheduled for next week Tuesday.

The FCS police team – led by super sleuth Sergeant Hezekiel Malapela – investigated the cases.