Serial killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi must undergo psychiatric observation, court orders

JOHANNESBURG - Serial killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi is set to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for observation after he was found guilty of killing six women.

On Wednesday, the Johannesburg High Court found the 21-year-old guilty of the rape and murders of six women - believed to be sex workers - between April and October of 2022.

This is after the State brought forward 22 charges against Mkhwanazi including six of rape, six of murder, six of defeating the ends of justice and one of possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. 

The court ruled that Mkhwanazi premeditated all the murders and concealed his victim's bodies to evade arrest.

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A packed gallery heard a scathing account of the gruesome crimes by High Court Judge Caseem Moosa.

The judge also ordered that Mkhwanazi undergo psychiatric observation at the Sterkfontein Hospital for the court to determine whether he poses any danger to society.

The order went unopposed by both the defence and State.

A stoic and seemingly fearful Mkhwanazi sat in the dock without his family.

In contrast, bereaved family members of two of the victims had their eyes locked on both the accused and the judge - as they waited to hear if Mkhwanazi would be found guilty.

Mkwanazi is expected back in court on 8 May.