Bail opposed in case of pregnant woman found buried in Grassy Park

The family of Shanice Rudolph, who was four months pregnant when she was allegedly murdered and buried in a shallow grave at Klip Road Cemetery in Grassy Park, say they are relieved her alleged killer will remain in custody over the festive season, Cape Argus reported.

Rudolph, 26, was last seen on 4 December in Cafda, Retreat. Her decomposed body was discovered on 9 December, buried on top of another female corpse. She was later identified as the missing woman through circumstantial evidence, but formal identification is still pending.

Her boyfriend, Ashwin Davids, and his co-accused, Mozaid Gasant, appeared at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The State confirmed its intention to oppose bail, and the matter was postponed to 21 January 2026 for further bail proceedings.

Speaking to the Cape Argus outside court, Rudolph’s family said they were preparing a petition to oppose the release of the accused. Family members carried posters during a peaceful demonstration outside the courthouse.

“We feel a bit relieved that they will remain in custody for now,” said a family spokesperson. “But we are still waiting for formal identification so we can lay Shanice to rest.”

The family visited the mortuary on Monday to attempt identification, but were informed by a pathologist that the body was too decomposed for visual confirmation. Dental analysis and DNA testing have been initiated, and results are expected to take up to three weeks. As a result, the funeral has been delayed until after Christmas.

“DNA samples must still be taken from the parents, and the process is likely to take some time,” the spokesperson added.

According to preliminary findings, Rudolph was reportedly choked and sustained injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. “The pathologist said she was suffocated — there were marks on her neck. We also heard she was beaten with a spade,” said the family member. “We are pleading with the court not to grant them bail.”

The State is expected to argue that Davids enlisted the help of another man to dig a hole at the cemetery, allegedly telling him it was for a dog, and paid him in cash for the task. The shallow grave was later found to contain Rudolph’s body.

Police forensic investigators have continued to comb the Klip Road Cemetery as part of the ongoing investigation.

The family has called for justice and urged members of the public to support their petition to ensure the suspects remain in custody.

IOL News