South Africa’s longest-running rape and murder trial has finally culminated in justice for the family of 17-year-old Cytheria Rex, with her killers receiving sentences of 25 years and life imprisonment.
Image: File
South Africa’s longest-running rape and murder trial has finally culminated in justice for the family of 17-year-old Cytheria Rex, with her killers receiving sentences of 25 years and life imprisonment. This brutal case, which began with the tragic loss of a young life on February 21, 2009, seeks to highlight not only the grave impact of gender-based violence but also the systemic failures within the legal system.
After nearly two decades of proceedings, Cytheria's mother, Jacqueline Rex, expressed her relief mixed with sorrow upon hearing the verdict. "Thank you, Jesus," she said, reflecting on the protracted journey towards justice. “I am glad it is over, but it will not take away the pain and the hurt. She was a flower, she didn't deserve the death she got... Everyone loved her.”
Cytheria, who was murdered after a party, was subjected to a gruesome attack, being stabbed more than 30 times. Her killers tried to conceal their crime by disposing of her body in a wheelie bin before abandoning it in a field. The tragic end to her young life left a gaping hole in her family, with her aunt Cathleen van der Merwe remarking, “I am still emotional about everything that we had to go through; their families can still go and visit them in jail, but it won't bring our child back.”
The individuals sentenced include Virgil Sass, Oswill Grootboom, and Imraan Hendricks, who were juveniles at the time and received 25-year sentences. In contrast, Lee Cloete and Ronwen Rhodes, who were older at the time of their participation, received life sentences for their roles in the heinous crime. Notably, two others initially implicated in the case have since died.
The trial itself faced significant delays, with over 115 postponements attributed to various factors, mostly instigated by the accused. Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), condemned these frustrating delays, noting the case's postponements due to legal team issues, magistrate absences, and notably, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ntabazalila remarked, “This case is another demonstration of our never-give-up attitude for justice, especially for victims of gender-based violence and femicide. We hope the family and the community will find solace in knowing that the accused who caused them unbearable pain will spend a very long time in prison.”
The regional court magistrate underscored the brutality of the crime, stating, “Even though three of the accused were juveniles, it does not take away from the gruesomeness of the offence.” The shocking nature of the "sin bin" case left a lasting mark on the community and, indeed, the nation.
Activist Wendy Pekeur highlighted the ongoing flaws within the justice system: “It is 17 years later... this is a severe failure on the part of the state and the NPA.” Meanwhile, Solly Lottering, a freelance photographer who was present at the scene when Cytheria's body was discovered, shared the traumatic impact of the incident on him and others involved: "That scene broke hardened police officers," he recalled.
As the case concludes, Siya Monakali from GBV organisation IIitha Iabantu emphasised the broader message conveyed by the verdict, stating, "While the sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal process, the case highlights the devastating impact of sexual violence against women and children." The legacy of Cytheria Rex serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address and prevent gender-based violence in South Africa.