THE rape case against one of Mzansi’s worst alleged serial rapists was postponed, 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 because he had made submissions to the state. He said after consultations with Phakathi on Tuesday, certain issues came up and he had to address them with the state.
“We have completed consultations and there’s a document that had been prepared, and has been given to the state. If necessary, the state can engage the defence,” he said.
Prosecutor Salome Scheepers did not oppose the request, adding that both parties had agreed.
Phakathi (37) is facing 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 started in 2012 and came to an end when cops arrested him in Barcelona in Etwatwa, Benoni, in 2021. His alleged victims were aged between 14 and 44.
It is alleged that he scouted homes where victims, mostly young girls, would be alone. He would pretend to be working for the municipality, doing metre readings. Some of the girls were attacked on their way to school.
Phakathi has been allegedly linked to the cases through DNA analysis and modus operandi.
The matter was postponed to Thursday, 27 October.
