A 40-year-old South African man named Nkosinathi Phakathi has been sentenced to 42 life terms for committing up to 90 sexual assault cases between 2012 and 2021. According to reports, Phakathi not only forced children to “watch” the assaults but also coerced boys into attacking female friends. The ruling came from the High Court in Johannesburg.
Phakathi’s crimes primarily took place in the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality and surrounding areas, with most victims being school-aged children. The youngest victim was just nine years old, while the eldest was 44.
The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) of South Africa revealed that Phakathi typically chose his targets while they were commuting to and from school or work. On occasion, he posed as an electrical repairman to gain access to victims’ homes. He was shot by police while being pursued in 2021, resulting in the amputation of his right leg.
The presiding judge noted that Phakathi showed no remorse for his actions and displayed no intention of reform. He received life sentences for offenses that included sexual assault, kidnapping, theft, and assault.
Reports indicate that sexual violence in South Africa is alarmingly prevalent, with over 9,300 cases of rape reported from April to June of this year—a 0.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Many of these incidents are tied to gang conflicts, often occurring in impoverished areas where police intervention is rare. A detective mentioned that gangs are increasingly testing the limits of law enforcement.
