SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED FOR CRIMES AGAINST THREE WOMEN
22 SEPTEMBER 2025
SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED FOR CRIMES AGAINST THREE WOMEN
Mkhulu Mzimande (30) has been convicted and sentenced for a series of violent crimes committed against three women, Future Dhlodlo (34), Nozithelo Dube (27) and Lindiwe Mkhwanazi (43), in Hillbrow between January and May 2022. The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court subsequently found him guilty on ten charges, including three counts of rape, three counts of kidnapping, two counts of assault, one count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of theft.
The accused was handed down three life sentences for the rape charges, five years for each kidnapping charge, 12 months for each assault charge, five years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and three years for theft. The court heard that on 30 January 2022, Mzimande offered Dhlodlo a lift from a local bar, forcibly abducted her when she refused, strangled her and raped her repeatedly before abandoning her. The victim reported the vehicle’s details to police.
On a separate incident 8 and 9 May 2022, the accused abducted Dube from the street, strangled and raped her. On 15 May 2022, Mkhwanazi was kidnapped, strangled until unconscious and raped, waking up bruised and naked by a roadside. DNA evidence and the vehicle’s registration linked Mzimande to all three cases and prompted further investigations led by Constable Zwane of the Hillbrow FCS Unit. Regional Court Prosecutor Predebashini Pillay argued that the accused's actions denied the victims their right to live freely without fear.
Court Preparation Officers Dineo Theoha supported the victims through the court process, while Gaongalelwe Masetlane prepared the Victim Impact Statement which highlighted the trauma and impact on the victims. When delivering the sentence, the court remarked that Mzimande is a serial offender, describing his actions as opportunistic, depraved and dehumanising, violating the victims’ constitutional rights to safety and dignity.
The NPA welcomes the sentence as it reflects the tireless efforts of the prosecution, investigative team and the courage of the victims, whose cooperation was instrumental in securing justice.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245