Another setback for Cytheria Rex's family as sentencing is postponed

The family of 17-year-old Cytheria Rex who was raped and murdered 16 years ago in Kraaifontein by a group of seven young men has suffered another blow on the eve of her killers' sentencing, after the presiding magistrate was hospitalised, along with an attorney.

A sentencing date was scheduled to be decided on June 20, but instead, news arrived that the judicial team were incapacitated.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the sentencing was unable to proceed, explaining: “Please note that the case was postponed until July 11, 2025, for the magistrate and judicare lawyer. On the day, the court was advised that the magistrate in the court was admitted to hospital and one of the Judicare attorneys was also admitted to hospital.”

Cytheria’s mother, Jacqueline Rex, said she was hoping for closure, but continued holding on to her faith that the case will be finalised soon.

“It is worrying that the magistrate is in hospital, I will remain positive, there is a reason for everything.

“I am going to trust God,” she said.  

Virgil Sass, Oswill Grootboom, Imeraan Hendricks, Lee Cloete, and Rhonwan Rhode who were convicted in November 2024 of Cytheria's February 2009 murder, made their latest appearance in the Strand Magistrate's Court on June 20.

Two of the accused – Warren Robertson and Keenan Lewis, have since died.

The case has been postponed more than 115 times during its time on the court roll and is believed to be the longest-running trial in history in South Africa.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus