A shocking case of serial rape in South Africa has come to a close as Nkosinathi Phakathi, 40, was sentenced to 42 life sentences for 90 counts of rape. The crimes, which targeted schoolgirls and young children in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, occurred between 2012 and 2021.
Judge Lesego Makolomakwe described the case as involving “young, innocent, defenceless and vulnerable girls” and handed down the severe sentences for charges including rape, kidnapping, theft, and assault. Some victims were violated on their way to school, at work, or even in their own homes in front of family members.
During the ruling, Phakathi, dressed in a grey tracksuit and holding crutches, kept his face hidden and only occasionally faced the judge with a somber expression. He was apprehended by police after trying to flee and was shot in the leg.
South Africa’s high violent crime rate, including rape and murder, has spurred criticism of the government for not doing enough to address violence against women. The case serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable in society.