Saturday, April 26, 2025

Court rejects ex-officers’ bid to remove judge in COSAS 4 trial

A former Askari who was implicated in the COSAS 4 murders has failed to show a reasonable apprehension, despite the overwhelming evidence against him. This case has once again brought to light the issue of justice and accountability in our society.

For those who may not be aware, the COSAS 4 murders refer to the tragic incident that took place in 1982, where four young members of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) were brutally murdered by the South African Police. The four victims, Sipho Mutsi, Topsy Madaka, Dan Motsisi and Anton Mxenge, were all active members of the anti-apartheid movement and were targeted for their involvement in the struggle for freedom and equality.

The former Askari, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was a member of the notorious Vlakplaas unit, which was responsible for numerous human rights violations during the apartheid era. He was arrested in 2018 after new evidence came to light, linking him to the COSAS 4 murders. However, despite the overwhelming evidence against him, he has failed to show any remorse or take responsibility for his actions.

This lack of accountability is not only a slap in the face to the families of the victims, but also to the entire nation. It is a clear indication that some individuals still refuse to take responsibility for their actions and are not willing to face the consequences of their crimes.

The families of the victims have been waiting for justice for almost four decades, and this case has once again brought back painful memories of the loss of their loved ones. They have been forced to relive the trauma and heartache, while the former Askari continues to deny any involvement in the murders.

It is disheartening to see that even after the dawn of democracy, there are still individuals who refuse to acknowledge the atrocities committed during the apartheid era. The lack of remorse and accountability in this case is a reflection of the larger issue of justice in our society. It is a reminder that there are still many cases of human rights violations that have not been brought to light and perpetrators who have not been held accountable.

The failure to show a reasonable apprehension in this case is a clear indication that our justice system needs to be reformed. It is not enough to simply arrest and prosecute individuals, but it is also important to ensure that justice is served and that the victims and their families receive closure.

The former Askari’s lack of remorse and accountability also sends a dangerous message to society. It shows that some individuals believe they are above the law and can get away with heinous crimes. This is a dangerous mindset that needs to be addressed and eradicated.

It is time for our society to come together and demand justice for the victims of the COSAS 4 murders and all other human rights violations that have taken place in our country. We cannot allow individuals to continue to evade accountability and deny justice to the victims and their families.

In conclusion, the former Askari’s failure to show a reasonable apprehension in the COSAS 4 murders case is a clear indication that our justice system needs to be reformed. It is a reminder that there are still many cases of human rights violations that have not been brought to light and perpetrators who have not been held accountable. It is time for us, as a society, to demand justice and accountability for all those who have been victims of injustice. Let us not forget the sacrifices made by the COSAS 4 and continue to fight for a just and equal society for all.

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