Former sergeants Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (61) and Pieter Stander (60) were found guilty of premeditated murder, while former commanding officer Major Leon Louis van den Berg (75) was acquitted. Pictures Credits: Conviction
By Duncan Mnisi
Johannesburg – In a landmark ruling that brings long-awaited justice to a nearly four-decade-old case, the Pretoria High Court (sitting in Johannesburg) has convicted two former members of the apartheid-era Reaction Unit for the brutal murder of COSAS activist Caiphus Nyoka.
On the night of 23 August 1987, officers Engelbrecht and Stander met to plan Nyoka’s assassination. Their intention was clear: raid his Daveyton home, isolate him from witnesses, and execute him.
In the early hours of 24 August, at approximately 02:30, the officers — accompanied by other Reaction Unit members — stormed Nyoka’s bedroom. He was asleep alongside three friends. After identifying him, they ordered the friends out of the room and opened fire, shooting Nyoka nine times. He died instantly.
The state’s case relied on five key witnesses: Nyoka’s sisters, Alegria and Mothasi Nyoka; friend and eyewitness Gugulakhe Exodus Nyokane; TRC researcher Dr Rousseau; and investigating officer Lieutenant-Colonel Beukman. Their testimonies enabled the court to conclude that the killing was premeditated and committed with common purpose, Judge Ismail Mohammed ruled.
A defence bid to dismiss the case under Section 174 was rejected, allowing the prosecution to close its arguments. Judge Mohammed ultimately found that the evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that Engelbrecht and Stander were guilty of premeditated murder.
NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana welcomed the verdict:
“The NPA welcomes the judgment where the two were found guilty. This outcome is encouraging — it is a right step toward providing justice for the Nyoka family.”
The court, however, acquitted former commanding officer Major Leon Louis van den Berg, with the NPA indicating it will study the judgment before deciding next steps.
Outside the courtroom, Nyoka’s sister Alegria expressed relief:
“Today my brother can finally rest. This pain has lasted almost four decades, but the truth has prevailed.”
The two convicted officers remain in custody and are scheduled to appear on 11 December 2025 for bail arguments and sentencing proceedings.
The ruling marks another significant milestone in South Africa’s continued efforts to prosecute unresolved apartheid-era atrocities, following recent breakthroughs in the Ahmed Timol, Cradock Four, and Pebco Three cases.
