Another blow for Cytheria Rex's family

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 being sentenced after the presiding Magistrate was hospitalised including an attorney.

A sentencing date was scheduled to be decided on 20 June 2025 but news arrived that the judicial team were incapacitated.

Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that 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 was holding onto her faith that it will be finalised soon, saying: “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…” 

The case was marked with delays due to the outstanding probation report which was finally submitted including testimonials and statements from her family members.

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 at the Strand Magistrates’ Court on 20 June 2025.

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 and is believed to be the longest-running trial in history in South Africa.