Cytheria Rex was murdered 16 years ago.
Image: file
The 16 year murder case of Cytheria Rex has been hit by another delay with an outstanding probation report, which is needed for mitigation and aggravation of sentencing.
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 Downs Regional Court on Wednesday, where the probation officer’s report was expected to be completed for mitigation and aggravation of sentencing.
But National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the case was postponed to May 13 for the probation officer’s report.
He noted that the date for sentencing would be decided upon following that date.
Jacqueline Rex, Cytheria’s mother, told the Cape Argus she remained faithful to a positive outcome.
“We have already won, we must not give up hope now,” she said.
“They are behind bars and now it all depends on how many years they will be sentenced to.”
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.
Cytheria 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.
They 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 the field.
DNA evidence including a crucial testimony from a witness sealed the men’s fate.
Cape Argus