Cytheria Rex was stabbed more than 30 times.

South Africa’s longest-running rape and murder trial has finally reached a victorious end with the five killers of 17-year-old Cytheria Rex sentenced to life imprisonment.

The verdict has been received with mixed emotions by Cytheria's mother, Jacqueline Rex, who was both relieved and sad because it had taken nearly two decades.

"Thank you, Jesus," she said.

"I am happy but I am sad as well, there is tears of joy.