THE Joburg Central Magistrates Court has heard that the father of Sifiso Mkhwanazi (20), who is linked to the death of a woman and discovery of five other decomposed bodies of magoshas, is allegedly putting pressure on his son to confess to the murder.
Mkhwanazi made a brief appearance in court on Tuesday, 25 October.
The case was postponed to Monday, 31 October, for a formal bail application.
Mkhwanazi’s lawyer Khanyiswa Mkhabe asked the court to ban his father from visiting him until further notice.
Mkhabe said the accused is not happy that his father had visited him and asked him to confess.
Addressing the court, Magistrate Betty Khumalo said every accused has the right to decline visitors and that no one should compel anyone to make a confession unwillingly.
She said: “Nobody is entitled to compel the accused to make a confession. People must understand this also applies to family. That is something a person must do freely and voluntarily without any undue influence.”
Khumalo also advised that the matter should be taken up with the correctional services.
Mkhwanazi, who previous made court appearances hidden, had his identity revealed.
This came after the state confirmed that they had completed the identity parade.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane said they cannot comment on claims made by the defence lawyer because that was not brought to their attention.
Mjonondwane confirmed that none of the bodies had been positively identified by the families yet.
Speaking about the identity parade, she said some people who took part in it have turned state witnesses.
“Their identities can only be revealed during trial,” she said.
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When Mkhwanazi’s face was shown, some sex workers in the court gallery whispered amongst themselves that they know the guy.
Speaking outside the court, Sisonke National Sex Workers Movement spokesman Katlego Raseditse said most of the sex workers recognised the man and some have come forward to become state witnesses.
He said they have been waiting to see his face and they are now demanding justice.
“We have confidence as the movement in the justice system and we will be working closely with some of the girls who will be state witnesses. We will also be working with the investigating officer to make sure that justice prevails,” he said.
He said he believes that as the case continues, more women will come forward to open charges against the man.
