A son of prominent South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko has told the BBC that the family is hopeful a new inquest into his death, which occurred 48 years ago, will finally result in the prosecution of those responsible. Biko is regarded as a martyr in the fight against white-minority rule; he passed away from a brain injury at the age of 30, nearly a month after being arrested by police.
At the time, authorities claimed he had sustained his injuries after banging his head against a wall. However, former officers later admitted to assaulting him, yet no one has been brought to justice. Nkosinathi Biko, Steve's son, expressed that the nation must confront its violent past to move forward. He stated, It's very clear in our minds as to what happened and how they killed Steve Biko.
The new inquest, initiated on the anniversary of his father's death, aims to uncover the truth about the circumstances surrounding Biko's detention and alleged torture at the hands of five policemen.
Despite the passage of time, Nkosinathi believes accountability for the brutal past is essential for healing: You cannot have the trauma that we had... and then you emerge with less than a handful of prosecutions.
The case will resume on November 12, highlighting the long, challenging journey towards justice for victims of apartheid.
At the time, authorities claimed he had sustained his injuries after banging his head against a wall. However, former officers later admitted to assaulting him, yet no one has been brought to justice. Nkosinathi Biko, Steve's son, expressed that the nation must confront its violent past to move forward. He stated, It's very clear in our minds as to what happened and how they killed Steve Biko.
The new inquest, initiated on the anniversary of his father's death, aims to uncover the truth about the circumstances surrounding Biko's detention and alleged torture at the hands of five policemen.
Despite the passage of time, Nkosinathi believes accountability for the brutal past is essential for healing: You cannot have the trauma that we had... and then you emerge with less than a handful of prosecutions.
The case will resume on November 12, highlighting the long, challenging journey towards justice for victims of apartheid.
