Alleged serial rapist Phiri loses bid to prevent his trial being broadcast

PRETORIA - The Pretoria High Court has ruled against an application by rape accused, Sipho Lucas Phiri, to prevent the broadcasting of proceedings against him.

His defence team argued that broadcasting the proceedings would endanger him, his family and the complainants in the matter.

Phiri is facing 114 charges related to the rape and kidnapping of 37 women between 2018 and 2023.

The start of the trial has been facing delays owing to the application attempting to bar the media from broadcasting proceedings.

Acting Pretoria High Court Judge Rasigamani Bhika ruled against Phiri’s application. However, she set limits on how proceedings could be broadcast. 

Phiri’s defence attorney, advocate Marianne Mampuru has now launched an application for leave to appeal the order.

"My lady, my submission is that this matter involves sexual offence. This will have a wider implication, not only on the complainants, their family and their children and also the psychological and social impact it will have on them and their family and their children."