CAPE TOWN - Convicted Swellendam serial killer, Brian Mudyiwayana, who had attempted to blame his crimes on him having been cast under a spell of muti, has been sentenced to six life terms and 17 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty in the high court sitting in Swellendam.
Mudyiwayana was convicted on six counts of murder, a count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of being in the country illegally.
He was acquitted of a rape charge.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said "the court declared he deserved to be permanently removed from society".
"On Monday, Mudyiwayana was convicted for the premeditated murders of Moleboheng Mafata, Gladys Ntondini, Grace Nyasha Hondo, Naume Gwengwe, Lungelwa Dangatye and Michael Pekaan. He was also convicted on a count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of the Contravention of the Refugees Act, 130 of 1998."
Judge Derek Wille said gender-based violence in South Africa has regrettably reached "pandemic proportions".
Ntabazalila said: "Senior State advocate Megan Blows called several witnesses during aggravation of sentence including Lieutenant-Colonel Elamrie Myburgh, a veteran with 28 years’ experience in forensic investigation and investigative psychology, who declared Mudyiwayana as a serial killer motivated by power, control and excitement.
"She submitted a report which states, ’The accused has never shown any remorse for the crimes, as a result, he showed no empathy towards the victims or their families and has no remorse for his actions’. The accused showed no emotion when he spoke about the crimes he had committed," said Ntabazalila.
The remains of the women he duped with false promises of job opportunities or were in love with him were found dumped in open fields in various towns.
Pekaan’s body was found in his house and a fridge, DStv decoder, three television sets, a lawnmower, a new pair of work boots, a pair of training shoes, a DVD player, bedding and a matric ball dress were all missing.
Read more in the Cape Times tomorrow.
Cape Times