NPA says Mkhwanazi should undergo risk assessment

JOHANNESBURG - NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana says it would be in the interest of justice, if convicted murderer Sifiso Mkhwanazi is admitted to Sterkfontein Hospital for an assessment prior to sentencing.

The 21-year-old is due back in court on 8 May for pre-sentencing, after he was found guilty of murder.

WATCH | Sifiso Mkhwanazi found guilty of several counts of rape, murder

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said, "Well, unfortunately, we are in the hands of the court, the court will decide, ours as the NPA is to argue for a stringent sentence and as the court has requested both councils to engage it, in terms of maybe taking the accused person for observation for a risk assessment report to be compiled so that the court can have a clear picture of the person they are dealing with, whether or not they can be declared a dangerous criminal, so as the NPA we supported that view." 

"We think that it is in the interest of justice that the accused be admitted into Sterkfontein so that risk assessment report can be compiled to the court."

"We believe it will also add value in our arguments as the NPA." 

"We have always maintained that the murders were premeditated, that there was no consensual sex between the accused and the deceased and we are satisfied that the court found in our favour."