DNA evidence processed in the murder case of Shanice Rudolph
Shanice Rudolph was murdered.
Image: file
DNA evidence including fingernails, and the vehicle allegedly linked to the murder of pregnant Shanice Rudolph, is currently being processed to be included in the bundle of evidence, which will bind the case for trial.
Ashwin Davids and Mozaid Gasant appeared via Audio Visual Remand (AVR) in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday for her murder.
Rudolph, four months pregnant at the time, was found buried in a shallow grave at Klip Road Cemetery in Grassy Park in December 2025.
The men were arrested after Rudolph’s decomposing body was discovered.
Relatives say she was expected to give birth in May and that she would have celebrated her 25th birthday in June.
Her cousin, Natasha Rudolph, said the family was relieved that the forensic teams were processing the DNA and evidence linked to the case so that they could finally have closure.
“They are processing the DNA found under her fingernails and the vehicle,” she told the Cape Argus.
“We feel that we are finally getting proof that he (Davids) murdered her and that he had apparently threatened to harm the second accused if he did not help to move the deceased body.
“We are still in pain, to see them in court every time is painful for us.
“We are happy to see that justice will be served because every time we are at court we are told they are busy with more DNA results.”
The matter has been postponed to June 2 for further DNA processing and results.
Rudolph went missing on December 4 and was last seen in Cafda, Retreat.
Rudolph is believed to have been suffocated or choked, and earlier claims were that she was beaten with a spade.
The State is set to prove that Davids had allegedly asked a male person to dig a hole, apparently claiming it was for an animal.
The alleged grave digger then reported his suspicions to the police after learning that Davids' girlfriend had been reported missing.
This led to the discovery of the body.