Nkosinathi Phakathi Sentenced to 42 Life Terms

Nkosinathi Phakathi, a notorious serial rapist from Ekurhuleni, has been sentenced to 42 life terms for 90 counts of rape, 43 counts of kidnapping, and numerous other charges, including compelling minors to witness sexual acts. The High Court in Palm Ridge deemed him a dangerous predator beyond rehabilitation and ordered his name to be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. Phakathi's crimes spanned nearly a decade, targeting primarily women and children, the youngest being just nine years old. The court's ruling was welcomed by civil society group NotInMyName International, who hope it serves as a deterrent and brings some justice for the victims' families. Despite pleading guilty to 148 charges, Phakathi's family expressed shock at his actions, contrasting his public persona as a caring father. The judge emphasized that the severity of the sentences reflects the heinous nature of his offenses.