Judgment expected for trial within a trial of alleged serial killer, Sifiso Mkhwanazi

JOHANNESBURG - Judgment is expected to be handed down for the trial within a trial in the case of alleged serial killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi.

The 21-year-old is accused of killing six sex workers and dumping their bodies at his father's business property in the Johannesburg CBD.

On Tuesday, presiding Judge Cassem Moosa of the Johannesburg High Court ruled for a trial within a trial to be held to determine the admissibility of a confession Mkhwanazi allegedly made to his father about committing the gruesome crimes. 

READ: Court hears how bodies were discovered in case against alleged sex work serial killer, Sifiso Mkhwanazi

While delivering evidence in the form of testimony on Wednesday, Mkhwanazi explained how he made his initial confession to his father, Mark Khumalo.

Mkhwanazi noted that his father had two recording devices in his hands while meeting with him, urging the accused to tell the truth so that Khumalo could listen with police officials later.

The finger-pointing did not stop there, with Mkhwanazi adding that the investigating officer, Sergeant Bongani Mbonambi, also tried to get him to confess.

During his cross-examination of the accused, State advocate Lwesikane Mashabela grilled Mkhwanazi, accusing him of lying to the court about being coerced into a confession. 
 
Mkhwanazi's main bone of contention was that he did not premeditate any of the murders and that his father drove him into admitting this on record through threats. 
 
His legal counsel is expected to present its final submissions before a ruling is made on the trial within a trial.