Former police officer and convicted serial killer Rosemary Ndlovu has sparked social media reactions after appearing to doze off during court proceedings involving her murder incitement case.
Also see: Former cop turned killer Rosemary Ndlovu’s documentary earns SAFTA nomination
Rosemary appeared alongside her co-accused, former police officer Nomsa Mudau, at the Kempton Park Regional Court on Thursday, 12 November 2026, where the pair sought leave to appeal their convictions and 10-year prison sentences.
Their courtroom appearance attracted attention online, with social media users sharing mixed reactions to Rosemary’s seemingly relaxed demeanour during the proceedings.
WATCH🚨
Convicted serial killer Rosemary Ndlovu appears to be sleeping during court proceedings as she and Nomsa Mudau challenge their 10-year sentences for a failed murder plot. https://t.co/imHYHYkNhd
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) November 12, 2026
Social media reacts to Rosemary Ndlovu’s courtroom behaviour
Rosemary’s apparent attempt to catch some sleep in court did not go unnoticed, with several social media users commenting on her behaviour.
Some described her as looking unbothered and unusually relaxed despite the seriousness of the case. Others criticised the apparent behaviour, questioning how someone convicted of serious crimes could appear so comfortable during court proceedings.
The reactions ranged from humorous observations about her courtroom demeanour to comments expressing disbelief and frustration. While some found the moment amusing, others felt that the seriousness of the proceedings made her apparent lack of engagement inappropriate.
Murderers don’t sleep peacefully.
Rosemary Ndlovu 👇🏽 https://t.co/MVL3Ma4Zjy
— Patience (@officialtwinny) November 12, 2026
Former police officer. Serial killer who targeted her own family for cash. Sitting there like nothing happened. What exactly is she unbothered about?😭🕊️
— i am succi (@succi_edwards) November 12, 2026
Why Rosemary Ndlovu and Nomsa Mudau are appealing
The case relates to a failed 2018 plot to murder Nomsa’s then-husband, Justice Mudau, allegedly to benefit from insurance payouts.
According to evidence presented in court, Rosemary approached a man and asked him to assist Nomsa in arranging her husband’s murder. Several telephone conversations and meetings subsequently took place between Nomsa and the men. The intended victim was eventually warned about the plot and reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrests of the two women, reported The Citizen.
Also see: Showmax’s Rosemary’s Hitlist described as “the most gripping crime story since Devilsdorp”
Rosemary and Nomsa were convicted of incitement to commit murder after the court found them guilty on the alternative charge. They were each sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment on 14 October 2026.
During their application for leave to appeal, the defence argued that the sentences were excessive, pointing out that there was no prescribed minimum sentence for incitement to murder and that the intended killing was never carried out.
The defence also challenged the convictions, arguing that there were contradictions in the State’s evidence and that the court had not properly considered the evidence presented during the trial.
Court dismisses appeal applications
However, the Kempton Park Regional Court dismissed both applications for leave to appeal against the convictions and sentences.
The magistrate found that the defence had failed to demonstrate reasonable prospects of success on appeal. The court also maintained that the 10-year sentences were neither shockingly inappropriate nor disproportionate, considering the seriousness of incitement to commit murder.
The court further found that the contradictions highlighted by the defence did not undermine the credibility of the State’s witnesses.
Rosemary Ndlovu is already serving 6 life sentences
The latest case adds to Rosemary’s lengthy criminal history.
She is already serving six life sentences, alongside additional prison terms, following her 2021 convictions for murdering family members and her romantic partner in cases linked to insurance and funeral policy payouts. Her latest 10-year sentence was ordered to run concurrently with the sentences she is already serving, according to SABC News.
The dismissal of the applications means Rosemary and Nomsa have not been granted leave to appeal by the regional court, despite their efforts to challenge both their convictions and sentences.
Featured image: Gallo Images/Papi Morake
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