Trial of Alleged Thembisa Serial Rapist Sipho Phiri Continues in Benoni High Court

The trial of alleged Thembisa serial rapist Sipho Phiri continued on Tuesday in the High Court sitting in Benoni, with proceedings set to intensify as an investigating officer is expected to testify later this week.

Phiri, 39, a former security guard employed by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), stands accused of a chilling spree of sexual violence. He faces charges related to the rape of at least 37 women and girls — some of them minors — over five years between 2018 and 2023 in and around Thembisa, east of Johannesburg.

On Monday, a forensic analyst delivered crucial testimony, revealing that DNA matching Phiri's profile was found in “most” of the sexual assault evidence kits examined. However, the analyst also noted that his DNA was not conclusively detected in every sample linked to the alleged crimes.

“While Sipho Phiri’s DNA profile was consistent with evidence found in a significant number of kits, some did not contain enough biological material to yield a complete result,” the analyst told the court. The testimony underscores both the strengths and limitations of forensic evidence in complex cases involving multiple victims over a prolonged period.

Phiri has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team argues that the prosecution's case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and incomplete forensic results.

The courtroom has been under tight security, with gender-based violence advocacy groups and community members attending in large numbers, demanding justice for the victims. Many have held silent protests outside the courthouse, holding placards that read “Justice for Thembisa Women” and “End Rape Culture Now.”

The investigating officer, whose testimony is expected later this week, is anticipated to provide detailed insights into how authorities linked Phiri to the series of attacks. This may include surveillance footage, cell phone tracking data, and patterns in the modus operandi allegedly used in the assaults.

The case has gripped the nation, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa. According to police statistics, the country records tens of thousands of rape cases each year, with many going unreported or unsolved.

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with more witnesses, including some of the victims, scheduled to testify.