THE rape trial against one of Mzansi’s alleged worst serial rapist was delayed, once again, on Wednesday, 26 October.
Nkosinathi Phakathi briefly appeared in the South Gauteng High Court, where he was supposed to plead to more than 200 charges of violent crimes.
His lawyer, Lekau Kgokane, asked the court to postpone the case as he had made submissions to the state.
He said after consultations with Phakathi on Tuesday, 25 October, certain issues came up and he had to address them to the state.
“We have completed the consultations, and there’s a document that has been given to the state. If necessary, the state can engage the defence,” said Kgokane.
Prosecutor Salome Scheepers did not oppose the request for a further postponement, adding that both parties agreed to postpone the matter to afford each party some time.
“The state confirms receipt of the documents handed by the defence, and I will need time to go through them,” said Scheepers.
Phakathi (37) faces 203 charges, including 94 counts of rape committed in Benoni, Daveyton, Putfontein and Crystal Park, Ekurhuleni.
He is on crutches after his right leg was amputated while in custody.
Phakathi’s nine-year reign of terror began in 2012 and came to an end when the police arrested him in Barcelona in Etwatwa in March 2021.
His victims, all women, were aged between 14 and 44.
It is alleged that he scouted the homes of victims when they would be alone. Then he would pretend to be working for the municipality, checking on metre readings.
Some of the girls were attacked while on their way to school.
Phakathi was allegedly linked to the rape cases through DNA analysis and modus operandi.
The matter was postponed to Thursday, 27 October.
