Rosemary Ndlovu Falls Asleep During Murder Appeal Hearing, Leaving South Africans Stunned

Former South African police officer and convicted murderer Rosemary Ndlovu has sparked widespread reactions after courtroom footage appeared to show her falling asleep during her appeal hearing at the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The video, recorded during proceedings on 13 November 2026, circulated on social media and attracted attention from South Africans who were surprised by her apparent lack of interest while the court considered her case.

Ndlovu, who is serving multiple life sentences for murdering members of her family and other victims, appeared to be dozing off as the legal proceedings continued.

Her courtroom appearance became a talking point online, particularly because the hearing involved a significant development in her criminal case.

The Supreme Court of Appeal considered Ndlovu’s case alongside another matter during the proceedings.

One of the important developments was the court’s decision to alter a conviction of conspiracy to murder to incitement to murder. The change resulted in an additional five-year sentence for that particular count.

Although the conviction was reclassified, the ruling did little to change Ndlovu’s overall situation because she remains behind bars serving multiple life sentences.

The former police officer was convicted for her involvement in a series of murders involving people close to her, including family members and her boyfriend’s children.

Investigators established that life insurance payouts were among the motives behind several of the killings. The case shocked the country because of the calculated nature of the crimes and the fact that Ndlovu had once served as a police officer.

Her criminal history has continued to attract public attention, especially whenever new developments emerge in court.

The latest controversy began when footage from the appeal proceedings circulated online.

The clip, shared by social media users, appeared to show Ndlovu with her eyes closed and seemingly asleep while the court session was underway.

For many viewers, the scene was unexpected given the seriousness of the proceedings and the nature of the crimes for which she was convicted.

However, others suggested that her apparent behaviour could be understood in the context of her existing sentences. Since she is already serving multiple life terms, some social media users joked that an additional sentence would make little difference to her circumstances.

The video quickly became a subject of discussion, with many people expressing disbelief at what they believed was her indifference to the court proceedings.

Social media users shared different reactions after watching the footage.

Some believed Ndlovu was fully aware that her future was already determined because of the life sentences she is serving.

One user, GFloyd Baloyi, commented: “She knows that it is over!!!”

Another user, mabee, suggested that she no longer cared whether additional charges were brought against her.

Faye also reacted by questioning what more could happen to someone who was already serving life imprisonment.

“She’s already doing life, what could be worse than that?” the user wrote.

Lizzy shared a similar sentiment, joking that everything must have become boring for Ndlovu because of her existing sentence.

Another commenter, gwevas, added that they would also struggle to remain interested in the proceedings if they were already facing life imprisonment.

Other reactions were more serious. Gee described Ndlovu as dangerous and suggested that people in prison might be afraid of her.

Meanwhile, Boitumelo baga Matlala used the clip to make a humorous comparison with personal relationships, saying it reflected how they sometimes felt about their own situation.

Ndlovu’s criminal history has remained in the public eye because of the number of victims and the disturbing circumstances surrounding the murders.

In May 2026, the Kempton Park Regional Court also found Ndlovu and former police officer Nomsa Mudau guilty of conspiracy to murder in a separate case involving an alleged plot against Mudau’s husband, Justice Mudau.

The two women were accused of offering a hitman R80,000 to kill him in 2018 so that they could share a R3 million insurance payout.

Justice Mudau previously described the frightening experience of discovering the alleged plot against his life.

The latest appeal hearing has therefore brought renewed attention to Ndlovu’s criminal record and the legal consequences of her actions.

While the courtroom footage has generated jokes and disbelief online, the case remains a serious reminder of the devastating impact of calculated murder and insurance-related crime.

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