EAST LONDON SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED TO FIVE LIFE TERMS PLUS 95 YEARS

01 October 2025

EAST LONDON SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED TO FIVE LIFE TERMS PLUS 95 YEARS

East London, Eastern Cape: The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, sitting in the East London Circuit Court, has sentenced Lwando Sfiso Phike (33) to five life terms and an additional 95 years’ imprisonment for a series of violent crimes committed between 2017 and 2022. Phike was convicted on 13 counts, eight of rape, one attempted rape, and four robberies with aggravating circumstances arising from attacks on nine girls and women aged 14 to 23 in and around East London.

The crimes took place in Kidd’s Beach, Duncan Village, Braelyn, Cambridge, and near the N2 highway. In each case, Phike followed young women or girls walking alone or in pairs, threatened them with a knife, and forced them into secluded areas where he raped, assaulted, and robbed them. Several of the victims were minors, with the youngest just 14 years old. Following the attacks, the victims reported the incidents to the police and underwent medical examinations.

Forensic DNA analysis positively linked Phike to all cases. He was already serving a 30-year sentence following a 2024 conviction for similar offences when his DNA, collected in that matter, was matched to the unresolved cases before the court. Although Phike pleaded guilty, State Advocate Sakhumzi Mtsila argued that this was not evidence of remorse but rather an acknowledgement of overwhelming DNA evidence. He stressed the brutality and repetitive nature of the crimes and the severe trauma suffered by the victims, many of whom did not know the identity of their attacker until DNA confirmed it. The State submitted that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences.

In mitigation, Phike’s counsel claimed that his actions stemmed from a long-standing drug addiction and that he was under the influence of narcotics at the time. He further submitted that the guilty plea was a sign of accountability and remorse. The court rejected these arguments, highlighting the devastating impact of the crimes on the victims and the broader community. It further declared Phike unfit to possess a firearm; Ordered his name to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders; Ruled that he is unsuitable to work with children; and directed that victims be notified and allowed to participate in any future parole proceedings.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, commending the courage of the victims and the collaborative efforts of the SAPS, the prosecution team, and the Thuthuzela Care Centre. He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to combating gender-based violence, emphasising that justice has prevailed and sending a clear message that such crimes will be met with the full force of the law.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473