Former apartheid police officer, Johan Marais, has been sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment. He was charged for the murder of student activist, Caiphus Nyoka.
Nyoka was killed on 24 August 1987. At the time, Marais was the section leader of the Reaction Unit 6 in Dunnottar. The unit was a counter-terrorist force with the South African Police Service.
“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence of 15 years,” said NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.
A YOUNG LEADER
At the time of Caiphus Nyoka’s death, he was a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), as well as the president of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Mabuya High School.
“He was also the organiser for the South African Youth Congress Organiser (SAYCO) in the East Rand,” said Mjonondwane.
Nyoka fiercely opposed apartheid policies and did not shy away from opposing them publicly.
THE NIGHT NYOKA WAS KILLED
The Pretoria High Court has previously heard evidence detailing the events leading up to Nyoka’s killing, 37 years ago.
It was presented that Marais, together with members of the security branch and other units within SAPS, met to discuss a plan to kill Nyoka. In the early hours of 24 August 1987, Nyoka was shot nine times after the police stormed his bedroom.
He died on the scene due to the multiple gunshot wounds. Then commanding officer, Major Leon Louis van den Berg, Sergeant Pieter Stander and Sergeant Abram Hercules Engelbrecht have since been charged separately for the murder.
JUSTICE AT LAST FOR CAIPHUS NYOKA
“During the sentencing arguments, Marais told the court that he committed the offence 37 years ago under the instructions of the apartheid regime,” said Mjonondwane.
However the team of prosecutors assigned to the case argued that Marais pleading guilty, was not an indication of remorse, as he has still not apologised to the family.
Judge Papi Mosopa also agreed that Marais had failed to demonstrate pure remorse. Mosopa said he felt the sentence he gave Marais was fitting for the crimes committed.
DO YOU THINK A SENTENCE THAT COMES 38 YEARS LATER HAS IMPACT?
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