Serial rapist and killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi, who targeted Zimbabwean sex workers, raped and then murdered them, has been sentenced to six life terms in prison. Mkhwanazi also received an additional 170 years for his other charges. The accused was charged with rape, murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was found guilty in March this year.

SENTENCING 

While handing down his sentence, Judge Cassim Moosa labelled Mkhwanazi as a dangerous criminal who poses a threat to society and should be kept behind bars. "I have carefully considered the relative age of the accused when he committed his crimes and the argument that he should be regarded as relatively youthful when considering a suitable sentence to be imposed upon him. The accused will remain behind bars for 30 years before he appeals his sentence. I am compelled to conclude that the supposed relative youthfulness simply pales into the background, having due regard to the horrendous nature of his actions. This court will probably not be here by that time. He will attend an extensive psychosocial program in the meantime, as a form of rehabilitation. The accused committed his crimes when he was only 19 years old and he will be 51 when he approaches the court again," said Judge Moosa. Moosa emphasised that two of the deceased were highly pregnant when they were killed by Mkhwanazi and said it is difficult to rehabilitate a sexual offender. "The more sexually active a sexual offender is, the more dangerous they become." Moosa said the condition of the victims' bodies clearly demonstrated a high level of violence against them. "There was an extremely great degree of premeditation involved on the part of the accused over a period of time in the commission of the crimes," he added in his sentencing.

REMARKABLE SENTENCE

Moosa said the accused acknowledged that he committed the crimes. "However, despite this, he does not seem to have insight into his criminality or the impact the crimes had on the victims. The accused has proved that he has a very poor prognosis for rehabilitation and will most likely remain a threat to society as long as he is alive. The government has identified violence against women as a national scourge."

The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwane said the court imposed a remarkable sentence one that sets a precedence in cases of gender-based violence. "The court ordered that the accused must return to court after 30-years of his imprisonment. This is so that the court can hold an inquiry to determine if he still poses a danger to society or not. We believe it's an achievement and can be used as case law in similar cases," Mjonondwane said.