CT pastor sentenced to 50 years for string of rapes and killings

The former Mitchells Plain pastor admitted to several charges when he entered a plea and sentencing agreement on Monday.

A former Mitchells Plain pastor who has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and murder has been sentenced to an effective 50 years behind bars.

Keith Bird admitted to several charges when he entered a plea and sentencing agreement with the state on Monday.

Read: Plea agreement for murder accused Cape Town pastor postponed to Monday

The 51-year-old was accused of having committed a series of criminal offences between 2013 and 2016, reports EWN's Shamiela Fisher.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, seven of rape, four of crimen injuria as well as theft.

He accepted the plea bargain with the state and, therefore, pleaded guilty to all the crimes committed.

Shamiela Fisher, EWN reporter

He allegedly murdered his ex-fiancé Anniesa Bardien in Strandfontein in January 2013.

In May that same year, he allegedly strangled 20-year-old Sharvonne Koense to death.

Bird is also accused of sexually assaulting three other women between 2014 and 2016.

Community leaders say he was well respected and always worked with the youth in that area.

Shamiela Fisher, EWN reporter

He would lure women to the bushes, he would sexually assault them or force them to perform sexual acts on them and threaten them.

Shamiela Fisher, EWN reporter

Listen to the full EWN update on The Pippa Hudson Show:

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