NPA reopens inquest into the truth behind Steve Biko’s 1977 killing

NPA reopens inquest into Steve Biko’s 1977 killing

Zuko Komisa

• The National Prosecuting Authority has reopened the inquest into the 1977 death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, a decision long sought by his family and human rights groups.
• Biko, the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, died in police custody after being tortured, with the apartheid government’s claim of a hunger strike widely discredited.
• The move is part of the NPA’s broader effort to revisit unresolved cases of human rights violations from the apartheid era, aiming to finally establish the truth surrounding his death.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced a landmark decision to reopen the inquest into the 1977 death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement.

This move, which comes after decades of pressure from human rights groups and Biko’s family, aims to “fully ventilate the truth” surrounding his death.

Biko was arrested at a roadblock in Makhanda (then Grahamstown) in August 1977. He was detained without trial and, according to reports, subjected to brutal torture by apartheid security police. A month later, he was transported naked and shackled in a police van for over 1,000 kilometres. The apartheid government’s initial claim that he died from a hunger strike was widely disputed and discredited.

Biko’s killing provoked international fury and intensified calls for sanctions against the apartheid regime. His death became a symbol of the brutality of the apartheid state.

NPA spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed the decision, stating, “This matter has been re-enrolled in the Gqeberha High Court to ensure that the truth surrounding Mr Biko’s death is fully ventilated. The NPA remains committed to pursuing justice in cases of historical human rights violations.”

The reopening of the inquest is part of the NPA’s wider effort to revisit unresolved cases of gross human rights violations from the apartheid era, bringing renewed hope for accountability and justice for the victims of the regime.

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