Birthday Rapist pleads for mercy

Johannesburg - The Birthday Rapist is sorry, and he hopes the victims will move on with their lives. Only, the State is not buying it.

On Thursday, convicted serial rapist Mlungisi Mtshali tried to convince the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court that he felt remorse for the 112 charges he was found guilty of in August - 39 for rape.

But the previous day, a social worker told the same court that Mtshali did not accept responsibility for his actions and felt only self-pity.

Reading from a statement, Mtshali, who is representing himself in sentencing, said: “I pray for them (his victims) to find closure and to move on with their lives. I know it won’t be easy… Today I want to say ‘Please forgive me’.

“I understand that I have to get a sentence, but I’m pleading with the court that whatever sentence they give me, please take my life into consideration. I still want to make a change.”

But Mtshali refused to admit outright what he had been found guilty of, still claiming some of the victims were lying.

“Are you accepting that the complainants’ version of events is the truth?” State prosecutor Penny Pillay asked.

“Ma’am, I’m taking responsibility for my actions,” Mtshali said.

“Which actions?” Pillay asked. “It’s important, because I intend to argue that you have not shown remorse. So, please, articulate to us what you’re taking responsibility for.”

“Umm, can I not answer that, please?” said Mtshali, who also asked the court to consider that he had a four-year-old son who needed financial support and a father figure.

“Since your arrest, you have not contributed any financial support to your child in Durban,” Pillay said.

“The child has food, clothes. He goes to school. His mother is a good mother. She provides for his needs. If you go to prison… he’ll get on.”

The hearing continues.

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The Star

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