Justice delayed: Family of Cytheria Rex faces further postponement in 16-year murder case
Image: file
The family of murdered 17-year-old Cytheria Rex, who have waited 16 years for justice, have suffered another blow after the presiding magistrate was hospitalised and is no longer able to do the sentencing of her convicted killers.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, on Wednesday confirmed a new magistrate has taken over the matter, who will need to familiarise himself with the case.
'The Virgil Sass and others matter has been postponed to August 26 for final transcripts as a new regional court magistrate has been appointed,' he said.
The case, in its 16th year, is the longest running trial in South African history.
Rex was stabbed more than 30 times and raped in 2009.
During judgment, the magistrate detailed how the group had all played a role in her death following a party at Sass's home in Kraaifontein and that they had tried to get rid of the body by throwing it over the wall.
And when they were unsuccessful they placed her into a wheelie bin and dumped her body onto a field.
DNA evidence including a crucial testimony from a witness sealed the men's fate.
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The previous magistrate, Deon van der Spuy, was hospitalised last month along with a judicial officer just as sentencing proceedings were expected to start in the Strand Magistrate's Court for Virgil Sass, Oswill Grootboom, Imeraan Hendricks, Lee Cloete, and Rhonwan Rhode, who were convicted in November 2024.
Van der Spuy, who uses a wheelchair, was transferred from Blue Down's Magistrate's Court to Strand Magistrate's Court last year.
Earlier this month, the DA's member on Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, wrote to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, asking why Rex 's case was not prioritised.
In response to Gotsell, the Minister said via a parliamentary question that the main reason for the delays were due to the accused and systematic reasons, relating to lawyers and judicare, magistrates absenteeism, witnesses and typed court records.
Gotsell told the Cape Argus this week that he called for a speedy conclusion to the matter.
'The DA has addressed the severe delays in this matter with the Minister, through parliamentary questions,' he said.
'It is unthinkable that a family must go through this hell for 16 years - only to hear that the matter will again be delayed.
"We call on the Department of Justice to prioritise this matter and do everything possible to ensure the urgent finalisation of sentencing so that the family of young Cytheria can finally get closure.'
The minister further revealed the case was postponed 128 times.
Rex's mother, Jacqueline Rex, said she was trusting in God for the case to be finalised. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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