NPA hopes sentencing of convicted serial rapist Phakathi sends strong message to criminals

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has issued a stark warning to sexual offenders following the landmark sentencing of convicted serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi. 

He was handed 42 life sentences and nearly 800 additional years in prison.

Phakathi was found guilty of multiple charges, including 43 counts of kidnapping, three counts of compelling a minor to witness a sexual act, and two counts of sexual assault. 

These crimes were committed between June 2012 and March 2021 in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.

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Phakathi began serving his sentence immediately, though uncertainty remains regarding his eligibility for parole. 

NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, emphasised that this ruling should serve as a wake-up call for all criminals. 

"We hope this sentence sends a strong message that offenses of this nature will not be tolerated, and we will prosecute such matters to the fullest extent of the law," said Mahanjana.