Long-running Cyntheria Rex murder trial finally reaches sentencing
Cytheria Rex was stabbed more than 30 times.
Image: file
The 16-year murder case of Cytheria Rex has finally reached the point for sentencing proceedings to begin after probation officers’ reports were submitted to the court.
Over the past two weeks, officials have been working around the clock to complete the probation reports, which needed the statements from relatives of Rex, including persons such as her father and aunt.
At the Blue Downs Regional Court on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the probation reports were received but that Magistrate Deon van der Spuy was currently on leave and two of the accused's lawyers could not be present.
Van der Spuy is expected back in office by June 17.
Virgil Sass, Oswill Grootboom, Imeraan Hendricks, Lee Cloete, and Rhonwan Rhode, who were convicted in November 2024 of 17-year-old Rex’s February 2009 murder in Kraaifontein, made an appearance in the Blue Down’s Regional Court where they heard sentencing proceedings would start on June 20.
Rex's aunt, Cathleen van der Merwe, who attended proceedings, said they were happy that the reports were received and relieved that sentencing was in near sight.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the proceedings: "It is currently at Blue Downs Regional Court awaiting probation officers’ reports. The case is on the court roll on May 13 to establish if the reports are ready. If they are ready a date for sentencing will be arranged for it to take place at the Strand Regional Court.”
The case has been hit with several delays including the death of two accused and was postponed for more than 115 times during its time on the court roll.
It is believed to be the longest running trial in history in South Africa.
Rex was stabbed more than 30 times and raped.
During judgment, the magistrate detailed how the group had all played a role in her death following a party at Sass’s home.
The suspects had tried to get rid of the body by throwing it over the wall and when they were not successful they placed her into a wheelie bin and dumped her body onto a field.
DNA evidence including a crucial testimony from a witness sealed the men’s fate.
Cape Argus