Trial of alleged serial rapist Sipho Lucas Phiri hit by more delays
Phiri was arrested in connection with the rape of 37 women dating back to 2021.
Alleged serial rapist, Sipho Lucas Phiri, appeared in the Benoni Magistrates Court on 5 September 2024. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - There has been yet another delay in the trial of alleged serial rapist, Sipho Lucas Phiri.
Phiri was arrested in connection with the rape of 37 women dating back to 2021.
He is facing 114 charges including kidnapping and pointing a firearm.
Phiri made his first appearance at the Benoni Magistrates Court last year January.
The severity of the charges brought against Phiri forced the lower court, which he initially appeared in, to transfer the matter to the Pretoria High Court.
His trial was set to start at the beginning of September but delays arose when he attempted to bar the media from broadcasting proceedings.
The High Court rejected his application but set restrictions on how victims, the accused and evidence presented, could be broadcast.
Phiri and his defence launched an application to appeal the ruling, which resulted in another delay.
Acting Judge Rasigamani Bhika said: "Your case is then postponed to the 6th of September to allow me to give my judgment."
Phiri is accused of inflicting a reign of terror between 2018 and 2023.