Kempton Park Serial Killer Trial Reveals Shocking Job Scam

Alleged killer used fake jobs to lure victims

The Kempton Park Regional Court heard chilling details this week about how accused serial killer Mandlankosi Galadla allegedly tricked women into meeting him under the promise of employment, only for them to end up dead.

Galadla faces multiple charges, including murder, rape, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery, linked to a crime spree between 2020 and 2022. According to investigators, his victims, aged between 19 and 40, were lured to open fields where they were murdered and in some cases set alight.

A violent past resurfaces

Court records revealed that this is not Galadla’s first brush with the law. In 2009, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison for murder and rape. He successfully appealed the conviction, which led to his release. Thirteen years later, he is once again in the dock, accused of far worse.

Forensic testimony sheds light

Pathologist Dr Mbalenhle Nkosi testified about one victim whose body she examined in September 2022. She noted a scalp fracture, brain injuries, bruising, and severe burn wounds.

Her evidence suggested the woman had been killed before her body was set alight. “If someone has no injuries or illness, even if they fall, they would not sustain a scalp fracture,” she explained.

Neighbour recounts final days

The court also heard testimony from a neighbour, known only as Modiegi, who described how Galadla often walked past her house speaking about job opportunities. He allegedly told community members that candidates only needed to pay a R300 “training fee” to be hired as chefs and receive certificates.

According to her, the deceased confided that she had paid Galadla for a promised job. Days later, Galadla allegedly told her she would soon start nightshift work. Before leaving to meet him at Swazi-Inn, the woman handed her neighbour her house keys and asked her to care for her child. She never returned.

When questioned later, Galadla reportedly dismissed Modiegi, saying: “Why would you ask me? She’s your friend, go and check on her.”

Suspicion grew when an unknown woman phoned, claiming the victim was in training and could not use her phone. Community members then alerted police.

Defence pushes back

Galadla’s lawyer, Obed Lewete, disputed the allegations, claiming his client never offered jobs. Instead, he argued the deceased owed Galadla money for meaty bones taken on credit. He also suggested his client occasionally bought fat cakes from Modiegi, insisting there was no job scheme.

Modiegi denied ever hearing about this alleged meaty bones business, calling it a fabrication.

A case that rattles Kempton Park

The case has shaken the Kempton Park community, with many residents expressing anger that a man previously convicted of murder and rape was released, only to face fresh allegations years later. On social media, users questioned how the justice system could have failed to keep him behind bars.

The trial continues, with more witnesses expected to testify about how Galadla allegedly manipulated trust and desperation for work to prey on women.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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