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As the United Democratic Movement, we welcome the Johannesburg High Court’s powerful and historic judgement confirming that apartheid era crimes can still be prosecuted. This is a big step forward for justice in South Africa.

The court ruled that apartheid is a crime against humanity and there is no expiry date for the prosecution of such crimes. This ruling was made in the case of the COSAS four (4) young anti-apartheid activists who were kidnapped and murdered in 1982 by members of the apartheid security forces.

The court found that crimes against humanity like those committed under apartheid, are part of international law and have been recognised as such for decades. The court further ruled that there is no time limit for prosecuting these crimes no matter how many years have passed.

This decision means that others who were involved in apartheid-era crimes could also face justice, especially those cases that were referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission but were never prosecuted.

The UDM also welcomes the dismissed arguments by the accused that they could not be tried because the acts were not crimes at the time or because the prosecution took too long. The court made it clear that justice delayed does not mean justice denied, especially in matters this serious.

This ruling honours the memory of victims like the COSAS 4, Eustice “Bimbo” Madikela, Peter “Ntshingo” Matabane, Fanyana Nhlapo, and Zandisile Musi, and also gives hope to many families still seeking justice.

The UDM believes that addressing historical wounds such as apartheid-era crimes is essential for true healing and reconciliation in South Africa. Without justice and accountability, the trauma experienced by victims, families, and communities remains unresolved, continuing to cast a long shadow over our democracy. 

Confronting these painful chapters of our past allows us to affirm the dignity of those who suffered and sends a powerful message that no atrocity will go unanswered, no matter how much time has passed. It is through truth, acknowledgement, and justice that we can build a more united, compassionate, and just society; one that learns from its past and commits to never repeating it.

Issued by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP, UDM Deputy President and Leader in Parliament