Nearly half a century after his death, anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko remains a powerful symbol of South Africa’s struggle for liberation.
On Friday, authorities announced the reopening of the investigation into his death, 48 years after he was killed in police custody.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the aim of the probe is “to lay before the court evidence that will enable the court to make a finding […] as to whether the death was brought about by any act, or omission, which prima facie involves or amounts to an offence on the part of any person.”
Stephen Bantu Biko, founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, was arrested in August 1977 at age 30 and jailed in Pretoria. He died a month later from extensive brain injuries after being beaten into a coma by police officers.
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His death sparked national and international outrage, cementing his status as a symbol of Black liberation and the anti-apartheid struggle.
An initial 1977 investigation cleared the police of wrongdoing, and prosecutors declined to pursue legal action. During South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1997, officers admitted to assaulting Biko. Although their amnesty requests were denied, they were never prosecuted.
The NPA said the reopened investigation is part of broader efforts “to address the atrocities of the past and assist in providing closure to the Biko family and society at large.”
In April, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered an inquiry to determine whether previous governments, led by the African National Congress, intentionally blocked investigations into apartheid-era crimes.
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Biko’s legacy continues to resonate globally, symbolising courage, resilience, and the enduring fight against racial oppression.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
