Alleged serial killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi seeking to have some charges against him dropped
Mkhwanazi, who is facing a number of charges including murder, rape and aggravated robbery is expected to launch a Section 174 application to have the rape charges against him dropped.
Alleged sex worker serial killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on 12 February 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Alleged serial killer Sifiso Mkhwanazi's defence lawyer is expected to argue an application to have the accused discharged on some of the charges levelled against him in his trial.
Mkhwanazi was arrested in 2022 after police discovered six bodies in various stages of decomposition at his father's panel beating business in the Johannesburg CBD.
Mkhwanazi, who is facing a number of charges including murder, rape and aggravated robbery, is expected to launch a Section 174 application to have the rape charges against him dropped.
According to this section of the Criminal Procedure Act, a court may at the close of the case for the prosecution, if it is of the opinion that there is no evidence that the accused committed the crime, render a not guilty verdict.
The defence plans on taking advantage of this legal loophole by requesting that the court discharge Mkhwanazi of seven rape charges, one of robbery and one of concealment - all brought forward by the State.
High Court Judge Cassem Moosa will hear the argument and deliver a verdict in the coming days.