Steve Biko inquest dramatically re-opened 48 years on as family demand ‘justice’

Family of anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko who was killed 48 years ago in South Africa finally see his inquest re-opened

An inquest into the death of South African^[1] anti apartheid legend Steve Biko^[2] was dramatically re-opened – exactly 48 years after his death.

Biko, inspired by then jailed iconic leader Nelson Mandela,^[3] led the campaign against South Africa’s hated apartheid regime but died in hospital from horrendous injuries after being attacked by Police. He went on to become a global icon. Singer Peter Gabriel dedicated his powerful song ‘Biko’ to him in 1980 and, in 1987, Hollywood^[4] star Denzel Washington played him in the film Cry Freedom.

His son Nkosinathi said: “I don’t want revenge. The cops are now old men. What I want is the full truth to come out – at last.” Biko’s family has been demanding a reopening of the inquest for decades. The original hearing said no-one was to blame for his death.

Today’s inquest was adjourned to hear from witnesses at a later date. The Mirror^[5] interviewed Biko’s son in 2017^[6] and his lover Mamphela Ramphele in 2013,^[7] who was five months pregnant when he was killed, and back in the 1970s we were one of a few papers that fought against apartheid.

Two of the five policeman involved in the death of Biko, at the age of 30, are still alive. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali told the Mirror that the policemen involved in the death of Biko would still face prosecution for murder if enough evidence emerges.

He said: “For murder there are no time limitations for prosecuting. Justice must be done – no matter how long it may take. And the crimes of the apartheid era are not to be forgotten. The NPA and its partners will continue their efforts to address the atrocities of the past and assist in providing closure to the Biko family and society at large.”

Biko died in 1977 after he had been viciously attacked by police before being manacled naked on an 800-mile drive to a Pretoria prison hospital where he died of a brain haemorrhage. Months later the inquest concluded that no one was to blame for Biko’s death. This ruling caused revulsion around the world^[8].

Mandela, who became South Africa’s President in 1994, was in no doubt about the importance of Biko to the black struggle for justice. He called Biko “the spark that lit a veld fire across South Africa” and said the government “had to kill him to prolong the life of apartheid”.

Nkosinathi was just six when his dad died on September 12, 1977, but he can remember it as if it was yesterday.

He saw his mum Ntsiki break down in tears and Nkosinathi revealed: “I knew, even then, that the cops must have killed him.” The five policemen gave evidence to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. They refused to admit any guilt so were not given immunity from prosecution.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi directed the decision in terms of the Inquests Act, with the NPA starting the process at Gqeberha High Court. Kubayi said the move underscores government’s commitment to accountability and to resolving cases of politically motivated deaths left unresolved during apartheid.

“This decision reaffirms government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting accountability, and pursuing justice for families affected by deaths that still demand clarity and resolution.”

The system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination kept the black majority under the thumb of ruling whites. Up to 21,000 people are estimated to have died in political violence under the brutal 42-year regime which did not end until 1990.

The Mirror – unlike many other British papers of the time – was vehemently opposed to apartheid. It ran a series of powerful leader articles including this one on the death of Steve Biko: Black leader Steve Biko died in a prison cell two months ago.

“It has taken that long for Justice Minister James Kruger to admit what killed him: head injuries and not, as first claimed, a hunger strike. But Kruger is still preposterously trying to suggest that Biko killed himself. He now says: “A man can damage his brain in many ways. I’ve also felt like banging my head against the wall but now after reading the Biko autopsy I realise it may be fatal.”

But it is more likely an attempt to pressure a verdict of suicide out of next Monday’s inquest on how Biko died. Since 1963 at least 44 people have died while in the hands of South African Police.

The stated causes of death have included “slipped on soap”, “natural causes”, “fell from window” and “suicide by hanging”. Now we have “battered own head in.” If Mr Kruger thinks anyone will swallow that he must be suffering from brain damage himself.”