Daughter of serial killer Mkhwanazi's first victim welcomes sentence, still wants closure

JOHANNESBURG - The daughter of Sifiso Mkhwanazi's first victim remains tormented by unanswered questions, still unsure why her mother was brutally murdered during his chilling killing spree.

Twenty-one-year-old Mkhwanazi was convicted on multiple charges, including six counts of murder and rape, after raping and killing six sex workers at his father's Johannesburg panel beater in 2022.

While he confessed to the crimes, citing revenge for a previous arrest, he admitted that had police not intervened, the killings would have continued.

Pauline Chihota broke down in court as Judge Caseem Moosa handed Mkhwanazi six life sentences.

Chihota, the eldest daughter of Nyarai Chihota, Mkhwanazi's first victim, welcomed the sentence but said she's still left without closure.

"I don't know why he killed my mom... I'm not ashamed of what my mom did because I am who I am today because of her."

Chihota hopes Wednesday's ruling will send a strong message to violent criminals on the streets.