US EditionSouth Africa Launches New Inquest Into Activist Steve Biko's 1977 Death
The inquest aims to reassess apartheid-era abuses and provide justice after 48 years, with two suspects still alive, court proceedings postponed to Nov 12 for management.
- On September 12, 2025 prosecutors announced the inquest into Steve Biko's death would reopen on the 48th anniversary, and the High Court in Gqeberha adjourned it to Nov. 12 for case management.
- After approval by the justice ministry and backing from the Biko family, the National Prosecuting Authority aims to present evidence under the Inquests Act to determine if an offence occurred.
- Biko was arrested in August 1977 and witnesses say he was held naked and shackled, allegedly tortured, transported over 600 miles to Pretoria, and died after 24 days in custody at age 30 from brain injury and kidney failure.
- Biko's son Nkosinathi said, `My dad was a very healthy man, and we know he died of a severe brain hemorrhage,` while the NPA said two persons of interest remain alive.
- Amid wider efforts to address apartheid-era crimes, the reopening follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's commission set up earlier this year and renewed scrutiny of cases like the Cradock Four, involving assault admissions during TRC hearings.
21 Articles
21 Articles
In South Africa, it is a late investigation, 48 years, day to day, after the facts! It concerns the death of Steve Biko, a militant tortured and killed, in 1977, by the apartheid police. Despite confessions at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, there had never really been any prosecution or serious investigation. But after almost 50 years of his family's fight, the preliminary hearing that kicks off this reopening took place on Friday, Sep…
S. Africa reopens inquest into death of anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko
In tonight's edition, a South African court has reopened an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko 48 years after he died of brain injuries in police custody. Also, South Sudan’s opposition rejects treason and murder charges against Vice-President Riek Machar, calling them fabricated. And a group of young Togolese are reinventing African storytelling by moving away from clichés and creating illustrations that resonate with ch…
48 years after Steve Biko died in police custody, South Africa to reopen probe into anti-Apartheid icon's death
South Africa's racist apartheid regime said no one was to blame for activist Steve Biko's death in prison. 48 years later, his family wants the truth to come out.
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