HSF welcomes the landmark judgment of the Johannesburg High Court in the COSAS 4 matter, which permits the prosecution to proceed on charges of crimes against humanity, including the crime of apartheid. The Court dismissed objections raised by the accused, affirming that international crimes can be prosecuted under South African law. Apartheid is recognised in international law as a crime against humanity, including through instruments such as the United Nations Apartheid Convention and the Rome Statute. Crimes against humanity refer to serious violations committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians. The judgment reflects a commitment to accountability for the harms of the past and upholds the principle that such crimes are not subject to prescription. HSF welcomes the Court’s contribution to the development of South African jurisprudence in alignment with international law and its recognition of the importance of justice for gross human rights violations committed under apartheid.
The judgment is available here.
