Caiphus Nyoka’s killer files application for leave to appeal his sentence
The Pretoria High Court sentenced Johan Marais to 15 years direct imprisonment for the 1987 killing of Nyoka, a prominent student leader and anti-apartheid activist in the East Rand.
FILE: Johan Marais, a former apartheid police officer who pleaded guilty to the 1987 murder of COSAS member, Caiphus Nyoka. Marais is being sentenced on 10 July 2025 at the Pretoria High Court. Picture: Thabiso Goba/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Former apartheid era cop, Johan Marais, recently sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for killing anti-apartheid activist, Caiphus Nyoka, has filed an application for leave to appeal his sentence.
On 24 August 1987, Marais, along with his colleagues, fatally shot Nyoka multiple times inside his Daveyton home.
His sentence was handed down in July at the Pretoria High Court.
Marais was charged alongside his three other colleagues and pleaded guilty to the charges.
The Pretoria High Court sentenced Marais to 15 years direct imprisonment for the 1987 killing of Nyoka, a prominent student leader and anti-apartheid activist in the East Rand.
During sentencing, Marais told the court that he committed the offence 37 years ago under the instructions of the apartheid regime.
He further asked the court for a sentence of correctional supervision because of his age, medical condition, and that he showed remorse for his actions.
When handing down the sentence, Judge Papi Mosopa agreed with the State that Marais lacked genuine remorse and therefore, found that the sentence given was fitting for the crimes committed.
Maraius’s leave application will be heard back at the Pretoria High Court on Friday.