Nyoka murder sentencing postponed to November after convict cites ill health

Sentencing in the long-running case over the 1987 killing of student activist Caiphus Nyoka has been delayed to November 2026 after one of the convicted former apartheid police officers told the court he is gravely ill and may have only a few years left to live.

Postponement after health concerns

The Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni had been due to proceed with sentencing for the two convicted former officers, but the hearing was postponed after one of the men, Engelbrecht, through his lawyers, said he is suffering serious ill health and told the court he may only have five years left to live. The court granted a postponement and rescheduled sentencing for 9 to 13 November 2026 at the Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni.

Medical evidence and pre-sentence process

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Tshegofatso Makhudu said the court ordered Engelbrecht to complete medical tests by September and to be ready to make submissions ahead of the November sentencing. The court was told Engelbrecht is living with cardiomyopathy, which his lawyers said is likely to shorten his life. The lawyers argued further medical examinations and a pre-sentence report from Correctional Services were needed before sentencing could proceed, and the postponement was to allow medical assessments and for the court to consider medical reports and evidence.

Who was convicted and earlier sentences

The two convicted former officers are Engelbrecht and Pieter Stander. The matter follows an earlier guilty plea by a third former officer, Johan Marais, who was sentenced to 15 years in July 2025 for his role in the killing.

Background of the case

At the time of his death, Caiphus Nyoka was a student activist and member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). The killing took place in 1987.

Other court matters

The state also applied for leave to appeal the acquittal of former commanding officer Major Leon Louis van den Berg. The judge reserved judgment on that application and said his decision would be sent to the state and the legal representatives of the two convicted former officers in due course.

What happens next

The court’s directions require Engelbrecht to complete medical examinations by September so that sentencing submissions can be made during the 9–13 November 2026 sitting in Benoni. No further dates were specified beyond the rescheduled November timeframe.