Reopening of Inquest into the Death of Anti-Apartheid Activist Steve Biko
Pretoria – Today, the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape will reopen the inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko.
Biko, who founded the Black Consciousness Movement, passed away on 12 September 1977.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced the reopening, citing her authority under section 17A(1) in conjunction with sections 6(a) and 6(d) of the Inquests Act, Act 58 of 1959: “I have directed that the inquest into the death of the late Stephen ‘Steve’ Bantu Biko be reopened.”
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will file for the reopening of the inquest at the Gqeberha High Court later today, Friday, 12 September.
Steve Biko was a key anti-apartheid figure and co-founder of the South African Students’ Organisation, making significant contributions to the Black Consciousness Movement as well as establishing the Black People’s Convention in 1972.
His steadfast dedication to justice and equality led to multiple arrests during the apartheid era.
Tragically, Biko died on 12 September 1977 due to injuries he sustained while in police custody.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Adv Shamila Batohi, has formally requested the reopening of the inquest.
The initial inquest into Biko’s death in 1977 concluded that he died from injuries inflicted during an alleged altercation with Security Branch officers, without anyone being held criminally liable.
This ruling faced widespread criticism for its superficial nature, marked by police cover-ups and a lack of judicial diligence, ultimately failing to deliver justice.
Despite calls for a full judicial inquiry, the Eastern Cape Attorney General chose not to prosecute, a decision later scrutinized by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and subsequent inquiries.
After thorough consideration of the request, Minister Kubayi has identified the reopening of the inquest as crucial for justice.
She has requested the Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court to appoint a judge to preside over the reopened inquest, which will be held at the Gqeberha High Court.
“This decision reflects the government’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and the quest for justice for families seeking clarity and resolution in unresolved death cases,” stated Terrence Manase, Spokesperson for the Minister.
“It is especially significant that this announcement aligns with the day we remember Steve Biko.”