The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) welcomed the recent guilty plea by former apartheid police officer John Marais for the 1987 murder of anti-apartheid activist Caiphus Nyoka, saying his conviction underscored the importance of prosecuting apartheid-era human rights abuses, regardless of the time that has passed.

The foundation highlighted that Marais’ plea, entered in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, marked a critical step in achieving justice for apartheid-era crimes and represented a moment of significance for the Nyoka family, who waited 37 years for accountability.

Nyoka was a student activist and a member of the Congress of South African Students and was president of the Student Representative Council at Mabuya High School.

He was fatally shot nine times on August 24, 1987, in Daveyton, Springs.

The HSF pointed out that each apartheid-era prosecution reinforced South Africa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and honouring the memories of those who lost their lives in the struggle against the apartheid regime.

HSF acknowledged the long journey endured by the Nyoka family in seeking justice for the murder of Caiphus, “a courageous young activist targeted for his commitment to freedom”.

The foundation said that holding individuals accountable for historical atrocities was not only a moral imperative but also sent a powerful message that society would not tolerate impunity.

HSF urged the State to continue pursuing similar cases, saying these prosecutions were essential to promoting national healing and reinforcing public trust in the country’s justice system.

The sentencing of Marais in January 2025, alongside the upcoming trial of his three co-accused, offers hope that justice will be served for all involved, said the HSF.