An investigation into the passing of South African anti-apartheid hero Steve Biko was dramatically reopened exactly 48 years after his demise. Biko, influenced by the imprisoned iconic leader Nelson Mandela, spearheaded the fight against South Africa’s apartheid regime but succumbed to severe injuries inflicted by the police. He later gained global recognition, with singer Peter Gabriel dedicating his song ‘Biko’ to him in 1980 and Hollywood actor Denzel Washington portraying him in the film Cry Freedom.
Expressing a desire for truth rather than revenge, Biko’s son Nkosinathi emphasized the importance of revealing the full story surrounding his father’s death. The family has long sought a reopening of the inquest, challenging the original ruling that absolved anyone of responsibility for Biko’s demise.
The present inquest was adjourned to allow for further witness testimonies. Two of the five policemen involved in Biko’s death are still alive, and the National Prosecuting Authority remains prepared to prosecute them for murder if sufficient evidence emerges.
With no time restrictions on prosecuting murder cases, the NPA is committed to pursuing justice for past atrocities, including those from the apartheid era. Biko passed away in 1977 after a brutal encounter with the police, leading to a public outcry when the initial inquest concluded no one was at fault.
Recognizing Biko’s pivotal role in the struggle for justice, Nelson Mandela referred to him as the catalyst for change in South Africa, emphasizing the government’s necessity to eliminate him to prolong apartheid’s lifespan.
Despite being a child when his father passed away, Nkosinathi vividly recalls the tragic event and his mother’s emotional response, firmly believing that the police were responsible for Biko’s death. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, failed to elicit confessions of guilt from the five officers involved.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi’s decision to reopen the inquest aligns with the government’s commitment to accountability and resolving politically motivated deaths from the apartheid era. Upholding the rule of law and seeking justice for families affected by unresolved deaths remains a priority.
Apartheid’s oppressive regime, which lasted 42 years, resulted in thousands of deaths due to political violence before its abolishment in 1990. The Mirror, unlike many British newspapers at the time, vehemently opposed apartheid, publishing influential articles that challenged the official narrative surrounding Biko’s death.
The government’s recent actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing historical injustices and providing closure for families impacted by unresolved deaths from the apartheid era.
