Nkosinathi Phakathi Sentenced To 791 Years For 90 Counts Of Rape And Other Crimes
- Nkosinathi Phakathi was sentenced to 42 life terms and 791 years behind bars for his heinous crimes.
- For nine years, Phakathi terrorized the Ekurhuleni region, committing numerous offenses.
- The 40-year-old was found guilty of 90 counts of rape, targeting mostly school-going children.
Hey there. Let’s talk about something serious. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of Nkosinathi Emmanuel Phakathi, a man who has caused unimaginable harm to countless lives. This is a moment of justice, and it’s important we take a moment to understand the gravity of what happened.
At the age of 40, Phakathi was sentenced to an astonishing 42 life terms and 791 years and six months of direct imprisonment for his crimes. These crimes stretched over nine years, leaving a trail of devastation in Ekurhuleni. The Pretoria High Court didn’t stop there. They declared him unfit to possess a firearm and added his name to both the National Register for Sexual Offenders and the National Child Protection Register. That’s a big deal, and it sends a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.
Unrelenting Crimes: Phakathi’s 90 Counts of Rape
Let’s break down the charges. Nkosinathi Phakathi was found guilty of 90 counts of rape, four counts of compelled rape, three counts of compelling or causing a child to witness a sexual act, and 43 counts of kidnapping. To make matters worse, he was also found guilty of two counts of assault. These crimes were not isolated incidents; they were part of a pattern that lasted from 2012 to 2021. In fact, in November 2022, he was found guilty of four counts of theft. This guy wasn’t just a criminal—he was a predator.
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Who Were His Victims?
Phakathi had a particularly cruel MO. He targeted school-going children, preying on them while they were either heading to or returning from school. His youngest victim was only nine years old. Some of his victims were adults, who he tricked into letting him into their homes by pretending to be an electrician there to fix appliances. Can you believe that? He used deception to gain access and then committed unspeakable acts. In some cases, he raped multiple people in the same household and even committed these crimes in front of children. This wasn’t just about crime—it was about control, power, and destruction.
Phakathi Seeks Leniency, But Justice Prevails
During the sentencing phase, Phakathi’s legal representative tried to sway the court by asking for leniency. Through his lawyer, Phakathi claimed he wasn’t the same person he was when he committed these horrific acts. But here’s the thing: the court wasn’t buying it. Judge Lesego Makolomakwe agreed with the state that Phakathi showed no remorse and was beyond rehabilitation. The judge emphasized that the court has a responsibility to protect communities from predators like him. It’s a powerful statement, and it underscores the importance of accountability and justice.
A History of Guilt: 148 Charges
This wasn’t the first time Phakathi faced the justice system. Previously, Briefly News reported that Phakathi pleaded guilty to 148 charges in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court. These charges included rape, sexual assault, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Initially, he faced 203 charges, but the state decided to drop 55 of them. Still, 148 charges are more than enough to paint a picture of a man who thought he could operate above the law. The fact that he pleaded guilty to so many charges speaks volumes about the overwhelming evidence against him.
In the end, justice was served. Nkosinathi Phakathi will spend the rest of his life behind bars, and that’s exactly where he belongs. This case serves as a reminder that no matter how dark the situation seems, the light of justice can still shine through. Let’s hope this sends a strong message to others who might think they can get away with such heinous acts. Justice isn’t just about punishment—it’s about healing, prevention, and making sure our communities are safer for everyone.
