The mother of murdered Cytheria Rex (17) is shocked a magistrate has yet to be appointed to conduct sentencing, 17 years after her rape and killing, reports the Cape Argus.

MP Nicholas Gotsell, DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, is calling on the Judge President to intervene after previously writing to the Minister of Justice & Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, asking why Rex’s case was not prioritised.

In response to Gotsell's parliamentary question Kubayi said the delay was mainly due to the accused and systematic reasons relating to lawyers and judicare, magistrates’ absenteeism, witnesses and typed court records.

Emailed queries to the Minister’s office went unanswered by late yesterday.

The 21st February marks the 17th anniversary of Cytheria’s Kraaifontein murder.

On Monday, Virgil Sass, Oswill Grootboom, Imeraan Hendricks, Lee Cloete, and Rhonwen Rhode, who were convicted of Cytheria’s murder in November 2024, heard there was no magistrate appointed yet to preside over the sentencing.

Two of the accused have since died.

The case has been transferred between two courthouses, Blue Downs Regional Court and Strand Regional Court, to accommodate the previous magistrate, Deon van der Spuy, who had fallen ill last year and was unable to continue with the case – which is believed to be the longest-running trial in SA.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the matter has been postponed until 26 August to appoint a magistrate for sentencing.

Cytheria’s mother, Jacqueline Rex said she was shocked at the postponement.

Gotsell said: ‘The delays in driving this matter to a conclusion have been nothing short of a travesty of justice; for the victim and her family, but also for women and children – vulnerable members of our society.’

Full Cape Argus report