22-Year-Old Sifiso Mkhwanazi Accused of Killing 6 Sex Workers and 7 Counts of Rape
The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has postponed the trial of Sifiso Naseeb Mkhwanazi, the 22-year-old man accused of killing six sex workers, as he faces seven counts of rape and a range of other charges.
Sifiso Mkhwanazi, 22, was positively identified by five sex workers positively as the man who took the six women who were found dead at his father’s panel beating workplace.
Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the trial is set to resume on Monday after unsuccessful negotiations for a plea agreement.
Mkhwanazi is charged with six counts of murder, seven counts of rape, six counts of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, robbery with aggravating circumstances, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Sifiso Mkhwanazi in court
The charges stem from the discovery of six female bodies at a panel beating business in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, in October 2022.
Mjonondwane explained the circumstances leading to the arrest:
“The State alleges that Mkhwanazi raped and killed the six sex workers that he collected from the Johannesburg CBD, between April and October 2022.”
“He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and tendered admissions in terms of s220 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).”
“He admitted to killing the females, using an arm choke, to defeating or obstructing the administration of justice by concealing their bodies at different locations at the premises of the panel beating business.”
While admitting to some charges, Mkhwanazi denied the rape allegations, claiming consensual sex with an agreement for payment.
He asserted that the crimes occurred because the victims reneged on their agreed payment for sex and demanded more money.
“Mkhwanazi however, denied raping the females and alleged that it was consensual sex with the agreement of money for sex.”
“He denied planning the murders of these women and said the crimes were committed because the women reneged on their agreement on the payment for sex and demanded more money ,” said Mjonondane.
The trial has been marked by the gruesome discovery of bodies in various conditions, with some almost skeletal and beyond recognition.
Sifiso Mkhwanazi is facing 7 counts of rape but denies ever raping anyone
State advocate Tshepo Mahange kaMzizi stated during a previous court appearance that Sifiso Mkhwanazi insisted the women’s actions triggered anger in him, referencing a previous false accusation that led to his imprisonment for 10 months.
What’s next in the Sifiso Mkhwanazi case
As the trial resumes, the State will call its first witness to shed light on the horrifying events that unfolded at the Rosettenville premises in 2022.