Court set to reopen inquest into the death of Steve Biko

JOHANNESBURG - The Gqeberha High Court will on Friday reopen the inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko on the 48th anniversary of his killing.

Biko died in 1977 in a police cell after a month of his imprisonment.

The purpose of the inquest is to present evidence that will enable the court to make a finding on whether the death was caused by someone’s failure to prevent it.

Biko was the founder and leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, which encouraged black South Africans to reject the idea of white supremacy.

He also assisted in the formation of the South African Students Organisation.

In 1977, he was arrested in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, for violating a ban restricting his movements.

In his prison cell, he was tortured by apartheid police and shackled until he was hospitalised and later dying at the age of 30; his cause of death was recorded as extensive brain injury.

In 1977, an inquest was opened and the former cops claimed Biko hit his head against the wall, causing his death, a version that was accepted by the courts.

However, later during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the officers and health practitioners who treated Biko admitted they had lied to the court about the version of events and because of this, the commission refused them amnesty.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will reopen the inquest in the Gqeberha High Court.

"It is imperative that this inquisitorial exercise is embarked upon again so that the family and society at large can find closure," said NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.