Alleged serial rapist Phiri says he wore a face mask while driving because of a medical condition

Johannesburg
JM

Jabulile Mbatha

11 November 2025 | 15:46

Sipho Lucas Phiri faces more than 100 charges for rape, kidnapping, pointing of a firearm, fraud, obstruction of justice, and forcing someone to witness a sexual act.

Alleged serial rapist Phiri says he wore a face mask while driving because of a medical condition

Sipho Lucas Phiri appeared in Benoni Magistrates Court on Tuesday on more than 100 sexually related crimes. Picture: Jabulile Mbatha/EWN

Ekurhuleni’s alleged serial rapist has defended wearing a face mask while driving, saying it was because of a medical condition.
 
Sipho Lucas Phiri told the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday that he had no intention of hiding his identity with the masks, contrary to allegations levelled against him by 37 victims.
 
He faces more than 100 charges for rape, kidnapping, pointing of a firearm, fraud, obstruction of justice, and forcing someone to witness a sexual act.

He appeared for trial before the Pretoria High Court sitting at the Benoni Magistrates Court.

Phiri had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges laid against him, insisting he had consensual sex with all his victims, including minors.
 
The victims told the court that Phiri's modus operandi was offering them a lift, then pointing a firearm at them before raping them either inside or outside his vehicle, often in a deserted area.
 
On Tuesday, when he was questioned why he always wore a face mask when encountering the women, he answered through his interpreter.
 
"I have high blood pressure, which gets worse when I drive, so I have to open the windows so I can get some fresh air."
 
He added: "Another issue I have is that when there is too much wind blowing into my mouth, its causes my teeth to ache.
 
He said that during the sexual act, he would reveal his face to the women.

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