Biko Family Seeks Justice Through New Inquest into Anti-Apartheid Hero's Death

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:29:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The family of Steve Biko, a prominent figure in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, expresses confidence that a new inquest into his death will facilitate justice for the historical injustices faced during apartheid.

The family of anti-apartheid icon Steve Biko is hopeful that a newly initiated inquest into his 1977 death will prosecute those responsible for his demise. Biko's son, Nkosinathi Biko, emphasized the need for accountability without which South Africa cannot heal from its violent past. The inquest follows claims of torture and murder by police during Biko's detention, echoing a broader demand for justice over apartheid-era crimes.

The family of renowned South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko expressed optimism that a recently initiated inquest regarding his death nearly 48 years ago will finally lead to justice. Biko's son, Nkosinathi Biko, articulated the family's belief that the inquest marks a pivotal step towards holding accountable those responsible for the abuses suffered by his father during apartheid.

Steve Biko, who was a leading figure in South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement, died from a brain injury at the age of 30, shortly after being detained for political reasons. Initially, it was claimed that he had injured himself by banging his head against a wall. However, later revelations from former police officers indicated he had been assaulted while in custody, a situation that has gone unpunished for decades.

Nkosinathi Biko, who was only six years old when his father died, conveyed to the BBC the importance of confronting and addressing the violent legacy of apartheid to foster national healing. 'It's very clear in our minds as to what happened and how they killed Steve Biko,' he stated after a hearing at the High Court in Gqeberha, which coincided with the anniversary of his father's death.

The new inquest has revived discussions about the historical injustices of apartheid and the lack of accountability for those involved in crimes of violence and torture during this dark chapter in South Africa's history. With many families continuing to push for answers and legal recourse for lost loved ones, Nkosinathi Biko stressed the necessity for a realistic approach to achieving justice, hoping that a democratic court would affirm the truths surrounding his father's death.

The inquest is also significant in light of recent governmental initiatives, including President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a judicial inquiry into possible political interference in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes. Despite the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that revealed numerous atrocities, real legal action has rarely been taken, leaving many families feeling betrayed.

Nkosinathi concluded with a call for society to reckon with its brutal past stating, 'You cannot give root to a democracy without dealing with some of the historical issues decisively.' The case is set to resume on November 12, as anticipation grows over the potential for long-overdue justice in Biko's case and beyond.