Johannesburg - A man accused of raping 34 minors and two women has killed himself just minutes before his appearance in a court in Johannesburg on Thursday morning, according to reports.

Sifiso Makhubo was found dead in his cell by police, eNCA reporter Karyn Maughan tweeted.

"We have received documentation from the prison officials that the suspect will not appear in court because he is dead," said NPA spokeswoman Phindi Louw.

The 42-year-old had been expected to plead to 122 charges against him in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Thursday, according to the National Prosecuting Authority.

The charges ranged from rape, kidnapping, murder, and robbery to attempted murder through HIV-infection.