The final report by a social worker has recommended direct imprisonment for Sifiso Mkhwanazi, a convicted serial rapist and murderer found guilty earlier this year on charges including rape, murder, and firearm possession.
Mkhwanazi, who has been convicted of murdering six sex workers, appeared in court on Wednesday for pre-sentencing proceedings at the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, sitting in Palm Ridge.
The case was postponed to August 22 for sentencing.
On Wednesday, the court heard from social worker Xolisa Budaza, recommending direct imprisonment in alignment with the State’s request for the court to adhere to the minimum prescribed sentence.
This report comes just a week after a psychiatrist evaluation report which was early this year, ordered by Judge Cassim Moosa to determine the state of mind of Mkhwanazi.
That report found that Mkhwanazi’s state of mind was sound and he lacked remorse for his actions.
Mkhwanazi was convicted of multiple charges, including rape, murder, theft, and illegal possession of a firearm, related to the murders that occurred between April and October 2022.
Psychiatrists who have assessed him classified him as a dangerous criminal who still shows no remorse for his actions.
Budaza supported these findings, adding that Mkhwanazi requires intensive therapy.
Moosa put the matter down in order for the State and defence to prepare their heads of arguments, saying: “The matter is postponed to Thursday the 22nd of August 2024 at 09:00 or soon thereafter.”
The mitigation and arguing of sentencing mark the final stage before the court determines a suitable sentence.
In March, Mkhwanazi was convicted of six counts of murder, six counts of rape, six counts of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On the additional charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances, Mkhwanazi was acquitted.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) outlined that the charges against Mkhwanazi emanate from the discovery of six female bodies at the premises of a panel beating business in Rosettenville, Joburg, in October 2022.
IOL reports that during the trial, Mkhwanazi pleaded not guilty to all the charges and tendered admissions in terms of section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).
He; however, admitted to killing the women, using an arm choke, and to defeating or obstructing the administration of justice by concealing their bodies at different locations at the premises of his father’s panel beating business.
The Star