Cape Town – The Wynberg Magistrates’ Court has become the centre of a grim investigation, as a second suspect has been brought into the case surrounding the murder of 23-year-old Shanice Rudolph, who was four months pregnant when she was brutally killed and buried in a shallow grave. Rudolph's boyfriend, Ashwin Davids, is already in custody, and now faces the prospect of a co-accused in this heinous crime.
The atmosphere at the court on Thursday was fraught with tension, exacerbated by a bomb scare that led to the building's evacuation. Amidst the chaos, Davids and the second suspect made their appearance before the magistrate.
Davids is currently facing a charge of murder in connection with Rudolph's death. Rudolph was last seen alive on 4 December in Ouboet Street, Cafda, Retreat. The charges against the second suspect have yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.
The discovery of Rudolph's body on Tuesday, 9 December, at the Klip Road Cemetery in Grassy Park, sent ripples of grief and anger through the community. Her remains were found concealed in a shallow grave, disturbingly placed on top of another deceased woman's burial site.
Davids' arrest earlier this week followed an intensified investigation into Rudolph's disappearance. The collaborative efforts of the police, missing persons organisations, and neighbourhood watch teams proved crucial in piecing together the events leading to the tragic discovery. These efforts included extensive interviews and discussions with Rudolph's family.
According to reports, Rudolph left her home in Lavender Hill with Davids on the day she disappeared. Davids allegedly told her he was having car trouble and needed to visit a mechanic. This alibi has now come under intense scrutiny.
A vital witness is understood to have provided crucial information, leading investigators to the location where Rudolph's remains were buried. Preliminary findings suggest that Rudolph sustained a severe head injury, believed to be a key factor in her death.
During Thursday's court proceedings, Davids indicated his intention to apply for bail. The court subsequently postponed the matter to 18 December for a formal bail application hearing.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, confirmed the arrest of the second suspect, stating: “A 23-year-old male was arrested on (Wednesday). Both suspects appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Thursday (yesterday).”
The bomb scare at the courthouse added another layer of drama to the proceedings. Reports indicate that police confirmed the building was searched by the SAPS K9 Unit and found no suspicious devices. Police confirmed that a caller indicated to staff that there was a bomb on one of the floors. The court roll was reopened after midday for cases to resume.
Earlier, Rudolph's distraught family shared their heartbreak with Cape Argus, revealing that she had been overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a mother.
"What type of person does this to another person they are supposed to love? She didn’t deserve this, nobody does and especially not her,” the family lamented.
The family of Shanice “Niecey” Rudolph from Lavender Hill, have been left devastated by her brutal killing.
Her older sister, Rushaan Muller (35), said the family are struggling to cope with the loss.
“She was a very bubbly person, always had a smile on her face, liked to laugh, always inside, she liked to eat, make jokes, en sy was baie sagte mens (and she was a very soft spoken person),” Muller said.
“For me, I still can't believe it. When I look at her pictures, I feel she is still around. My emotions are really mixed up, it's confusing feeling. It feels like everything you look at reminds me of her. Our family is broken.”
Muller said she began to fear the worst on the night her sister vanished.
“When it became past nine, I started worrying. Then past 11, I got the feeling something must’ve happened. That Friday morning when I started hanging up my washing, I started crying. I couldn’t feel her presence.”
She said Rudolph was pregnant with her first child and had been in a relationship for about six months.
“My sister always complained about him being insecure, possessive, obsessive. I met him for the very first time on Friday and I got a feeling something is not right. We were still hoping to find her alive.”
The family had been planning a Christmas lunch together.
“We were looking forward to it. I wish I could tell her I love her. She was the soft, quiet sister.
“We are four sisters,and for thisto happen to her, the least deserving of something like this, its really not fair.”
Veranique “Benji” Williams, founder of Faith and Hope Missing Persons Unit, expressed the organisation's deep sorrow over Rudolph's tragic fate.
“This happened during 16 Days of Activism, where a man is supposed to be afraid to commit such crimes. Who kills someone when they are pregnant?” she questioned.
Williams emphasised the need for sustained action beyond awareness campaigns.
“We call for justice for all women, not only during the 16 Days of Activism but every day thereafter. When you are being abused, or hear that someone is being abused, speak out. Don’t wait. Don’t hang ten. The longer you wait, the deeper the situation becomes.”
Williams thanked Steenberg SAPS for their commitment in solving the missing persons case.
According to a source close to the investigation, Rudolph’s body was found in a decomposed state and she was believed to be between three to five months pregnant.
The source said it is suspected that Rudolph was killed when she was struck with a spade on her head, and was then placed in the boot of a vehicle and later buried at the cemetery on top of another grave.
Family members opened a missing persons case on Friday after she failed to return home.
The suspect was taken into custody for questioning on Sunday but did not flinch when asked about Rudolph.
On Monday, the family reportedly received a tip-off that she had been murdered and placed in a car.
Leads were then followed to the cemetery, where a suspect was seen walking through a gap in the palisade fence at the graveyard where Rudolph's body was found.
Grassy Park police confirmed that a murder case has been registered.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said Rudolph was reported missing on 5 December 2025 at Steenberg SAPS.
“A murder case was registered following the discovery of the body of a 23-year-old woman in a shallow grave at Klip Road cemetery.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. The case will be transferred to Steenberg SAPS for further investigation,” Van Wyk said.
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