South African Correspondent
Sifiso Mkhwanazi, a South African man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murders of six Zimbabwean sex workers in Johannesburg.
The Johannesburg High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, delivered the verdict after concluding pre-sentencing proceedings.
Mkhwanazi was found guilty of rape, murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in March. A psychiatric report revealed no signs of mental illness, and Mkhwanazi showed no remorse for his crimes.
Judge Cassim Moosa emphasized that Mkhwanazi’s youth at the time of the crimes did not diminish the severity of his actions.
“The supposed relative youthfulness simply pales into the background having due regard into the horrendous nature of his actions,” Moosa stated.
Key Points:
- Crimes: Rape, murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition
- Victims: Six Zimbabwean sex workers, including two pregnant women
- Motivation: Mkhwanazi claimed the women demanded more money after sex
- Sentence: Life imprisonment, plus 10 years for obstructing justice and 15 years for rape.
Judge Moosa noted the high level of violence and premeditation involved in the crimes.
“There was an extremely great degree of premeditation involved on the part of the accused over a period of time in the commission of the crimes.”
Mkhwanazi’s lack of remorse and poor prognosis for rehabilitation were also highlighted.
“The accused has proved that he has a very poor prognosis for rehabilitation and will most likely remain a threat to society as long as he is alive.”
The government has identified violence against women as a national scourge, and Mkhwanazi’s sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.
“The accused is sentenced to undergo imprisonment for an indeterminate period and it is directed that the accused shall be brought before this court upon exploration of 30 years to enable this court to reconsider his sentence,” the judge ruled.
Zim GBC News©2024