Biko Family Seeks Justice: Inquest into Steve Biko's Death Reopens 48 Years Later

Sat Sep 13 2025 14:57:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The family of anti-apartheid icon Steve Biko expresses hope that a new inquest into his death will bring accountability and justice for those responsible, nearly five decades after his tragic passing.

Nkosinathi Biko, son of the legendary anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko, voiced confidence that a newly initiated inquest into his father's death will lead to prosecutions against those involved. Steve Biko, who died in police custody in 1977, is a significant figure in South Africa’s history, and his case highlights ongoing struggles for justice even decades after apartheid.

A son of prominent South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko has told the BBC that the family is confident a new inquest into his death 48 years ago will lead to the prosecution of those responsible.

Seen as a martyr in the struggle against white-minority rule, the Black Consciousness Movement founder died from a brain injury at age 30, nearly a month after being arrested at a roadblock.

Police claimed he had banged his head against a wall, yet after apartheid ended in 1994, former officers admitted to assaulting him, with no one prosecuted to date.

Nkosinathi Biko, who was just six when his father died, emphasized the need to confront the violent past for the country to move forward. It's very clear in our minds as to what happened and how they killed Steve Biko, he stated following the first hearing at the High Court in Gqeberha, coinciding with the 48th anniversary of his father's death.

The case has sparked renewed conversation about accountability for apartheid-era crimes, which has remained largely unaddressed in South Africa's legal proceedings. Biko's death was a catalyst for outrage and was depicted in the 1987 film 'Cry Freedom', starring Denzel Washington.

As the inquest progresses, the possibility looms that South Africa may finally achieve justice for the unfinished business of its apartheid past.

Biko's family remains persistent in their pursuit of accountability, with the latest hearing adjourned until November 12, raising hope for long-awaited justice.