CPF bid to block bail for Shanice Rudolph murder-accused

THE Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) is opposing the release on bail of the men accused of murdering four-month pregnant Shanice Rudolph last month.

Rudolph was found buried in a shallow grave at Klip Road Cemetery in Grassy Park days after being reported missing on 4 December.

The 23-year-old was laid to rest last week, five weeks after her family waited for her DNA results due to the badly decomposed body.

Her boyfriend, Ashwin Davids, and his co-accused Mozaid Gasant made a brief appearance at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where the court heard they would be proceeding with their bail application.

The matter was postponed to 17 February. The CPF issued a statement that they would be opposing the release on bail and formally submitted letters to the court, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“The CPF called on the community to stand in solidarity with the family of slain Shanice Rudolph to oppose bail for the perpetrator. The group gathered outside Wynberg Magistrates’ Court today with placards.

“The CPF also sent letters to the NPA and DOJ to express our opposition to bail. In response to our letter, the NPA confirmed they will oppose bail for the accused.

“This is a small but important win against GBV and proof that when the community stands together, our voices can influence justice.”

The State has since contended that it would be opposing it. The men were arrested after Rudolph’s body was found buried in a shallow grave at Klip Road Cemetery, on top of a female corpse, on 9 December.

Rudolph is believed to have been suffocated or choked to death, 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 Rudolph, Davids' girlfriend, had been reported missing. This led to the discovery of the body being buried.

Earlier, the family revealed that the young woman had longed to become a mother.