Steve Biko Inquest: Family Confident of Prosecutions
The family of Steve Biko, South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero, believes a new inquest into his 1977 death will finally hold the officers responsible to account.
Family Seeks Accountability
Nkosinathi Biko, son of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, told INLIBER News the family is confident a new inquest into his father’s 1977 death will finally bring those responsible to justice. Arrested at a roadblock and detained under a banning order, Biko died aged 30 after sustaining a fatal brain injury.
Background to Biko's Death
Originally, police claimed Biko had injured himself by hitting his head against a wall. After apartheid ended, officers admitted to assaulting him, but none faced prosecution. Biko’s death sparked international outrage and inspired the 1987 film Cry Freedom.
New Inquest and Expectations
The High Court in Gqeberha opened the hearings on the 48th anniversary of Biko’s death. With two alleged perpetrators in their 80s, Nkosinathi Biko said: “A democratic court in a democratic state will find that Steve Biko’s murder was orchestrated and executed by the policemen implicated.”
He added that reconciling with South Africa’s violent past is essential for strengthening democracy and that many families still demand justice after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended prosecutions.
The new inquest is a crucial step towards accountability for apartheid-era crimes and justice for Steve Biko’s family.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
Explore useful articles in World News as of 12-09-2025. The article titled " Steve Biko Inquest: Family Confident of Prosecutions " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the World News field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.
The " Steve Biko Inquest: Family Confident of Prosecutions " article expands your knowledge in World News, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.