A new inquest into the death of prominent anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko is raising hopes for the family, who believe it could lead to justice nearly 48 years after his passing. Nkosinathi Biko, Steve's son, shared his confidence with the BBC following the first hearing at the High Court in Gqeberha, South Africa. Biko, the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, died from injuries sustained during his detention at the hands of police at a roadblock. Originally, authorities claimed he had hurt himself, but subsequent revelations confirmed police involvement in his torture.
Nkosinathi Biko, who was very young when his father was killed, emphasized the necessity of addressing the violent history of apartheid to allow South Africa to progress. You cannot have the trauma that we had, the flow of blood in the streets orchestrated by a state against a people, and then emerge with less than a handful of prosecutions, he stated. Biko demands accountability for the actions of the five officers implicated in his father’s treatment, arguing that justice is essential for a thriving democracy.
The inquest comes amid ongoing dialogue in South Africa about the reparative justice necessary to confront its apartheid legacy. In a country still wrestling with its past, the upcoming hearings are seen as a beacon of hope for victims and their families. The case is poised to reconvene on 12 November.
Nkosinathi Biko, who was very young when his father was killed, emphasized the necessity of addressing the violent history of apartheid to allow South Africa to progress. You cannot have the trauma that we had, the flow of blood in the streets orchestrated by a state against a people, and then emerge with less than a handful of prosecutions, he stated. Biko demands accountability for the actions of the five officers implicated in his father’s treatment, arguing that justice is essential for a thriving democracy.
The inquest comes amid ongoing dialogue in South Africa about the reparative justice necessary to confront its apartheid legacy. In a country still wrestling with its past, the upcoming hearings are seen as a beacon of hope for victims and their families. The case is poised to reconvene on 12 November.
