JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA | The mother of one of the youngest victims of serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi shared that her child is still grappling with the emotional scars left by the horrific assault.
Phakathi, who was sentenced on Thursday to 42 life terms, along with an additional 791 years and six months in prison, targeted more than 94 women, including girls as young as nine, between 2012 and 2021.
For nearly a decade, Phakathi instilled fear in Ekurhuleni communities, preying on vulnerable women and children.
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“We are incredibly thankful, particularly to the police from across the country,” the mother said. While the traumatic experience continues to affect her child, she noted that healing is happening, even if slowly.
Expressing relief over Phakathi’s severe sentence, she vowed to attend any future parole hearings to ensure he remains behind bars.
Phakathi officially began serving his sentence on Friday.