The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday heard that a man accused of six murders allegedly knocked down two of his victims and reversed over them.
Sibusiso Duma (24) is also accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old girl, gang raping her and repeatedly driving over her. Her bones were broken and Duma alleged set her alight and left her to die.
Critically injured, she lay in a cemetery until she was found several hours later and taken to hospital. She received specialised treatment and recovered.
Duma also allegedly killed an old man by knocking him down with his taxi and reversing over him. He then stole his licensed firearm and money. He apparently used this gun in his alleged crime spree.
At the start of his trial, Duma pleaded not guilty to 19 charges, including six murders, four aggravated robberies, four rapes, two attempted murders and three kidnappings.
Duma’s alleged crime spree lasted from September 9 to 24 2007.
He is charged with accosting a woman, dragging her into a pathway, raping her and then shooting her dead.
On the same day he allegedly approached people in a car, shot and wounded them and took their car. The victims managed to escape into a bush.
Duma, from Pietermaritzburg, and an accomplice were driving this car when they allegedly kidnapped two youths and the schoolgirl who was to be gang raped later.
Her companions were shot and wounded and managed to escape.
Duma and his accomplice, who was not named in court records, drove the girl to a cemetery where they allegedly took turns in raping her and then repeatedly drove over her.
Duma and his accomplice were each charged twice with rape, once for the actual rape and the other for the other man raping her.
This is because each was present while the other man allegedly raped her, he kept watch during the rape, and prevented any escape or resistance.
Duma is also accused of raping a teacher at gunpoint, robbing and shooting her in the head and dumping her body in a remote spot in Kloof.
Acting Judge Kobus Booyens and assessors are hearing the case.
The trial will continue on Tuesday. — Sapa