The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten has sentenced 22-year-old Simphiwe Xolani Mkhwanazi to two life terms and an additional 105 years in prison for a series of violent crimes, including rape, murder, kidnapping, and robbery.
The sentence follows Mkhwanazi’s conviction on ten serious charges committed between July 2021 and August 2023 in the Amersfoort and Daggakraal areas. His crimes formed part of a disturbing pattern in which he targeted vulnerable women, often preying on those walking home alone late at night after visiting taverns.
According to evidence presented before the court, Mkhwanazi used a knife to threaten his victims before forcing them into isolated areas where he sexually assaulted and robbed them. His victims were stripped of valuables including cash, cellphones, clothing, and footwear. The court heard that two women were kidnapped, four were raped, one woman was murdered, and several victims were subjected to extreme trauma.
One of the earliest incidents took place on 31 July 2021 when a woman was walking home from a party in Amersfoort. Mkhwanazi allegedly confronted her at knifepoint, dragged her to a secluded area among nearby rocks, raped her, and stole her cellphone, cash, and sneakers valued at approximately R1,500.
Just a week later, he allegedly entered a family home while armed with a knife. He ordered the occupants to cover themselves with a blanket before taking a young woman from the room. In a horrifying ordeal, he forced her to kneel and raped her in front of her family members before robbing the household of cash and mobile phones.
Another victim was attacked in June 2023 while walking home from a tavern. She was allegedly ambushed by Mkhwanazi and an accomplice, taken to an abandoned house, raped, and robbed. She immediately reported the incident to police, despite not knowing the identity of her attacker.
The most tragic case involved Ellen Dlamini, who was last seen alive at Etshanini Tavern in Daggakraal in August 2023. Witnesses reported seeing her with Mkhwanazi before she disappeared. Her family reported her missing, and three days later her body was discovered buried in a shallow grave.
Investigators later found Mkhwanazi asleep with blood-stained clothing nearby. Forensic testing revealed that the blood matched that of the deceased. DNA evidence also linked him to the other crimes, providing crucial evidence that strengthened the State’s case.
During the trial, Mkhwanazi initially pleaded guilty while claiming that the sexual encounters had been consensual. He later changed his plea to not guilty, forcing prosecutors to present extensive evidence from victims, eyewitnesses, forensic experts, and investigators.
Senior State Advocate Themba Lusenga successfully led the prosecution, while victim impact statements highlighted the severe emotional and psychological harm suffered by the survivors.
In addition to the lengthy prison sentence, the court ordered that Mkhwanazi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence, describing it as a significant victory in the fight against gender-based violence and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice for women, children, and vulnerable members of society.
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