Archive · 12 Sep 2025
South Africa Reopens Inquest into Steve Biko's 1977 Death
Imagine a leader named Steve Biko who fought against unfair rules in South Africa a long time ago.
He died while in police custody.
Now, after many years, the government has decided to take another look at how he died.
They want to find out if the police did anything wrong, like hurting him.
This is because the police were accused of causing his death.
A previous investigation said that Biko died from a scuffle with officers.
The new investigation hopes to provide answers and bring justice.
South Africa reopened an inquest into the 1977 death of anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko.
Biko, founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, died in police custody.
The reopened inquest aims to determine if criminal acts led to Biko's death.
A 1977 inquest concluded Biko died from a scuffle, assigning no criminal responsibility.
The inquest has been adjourned to November 12 for case management.
- Who
- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the court in South Africa.
- What
- Reopened an inquest into the death of Steve Biko.
- When
- October 2024; Biko died in 1977.
- Where
- South Africa
- Why
- To determine if any criminal acts were involved in Biko's death, seeking closure for the family and society.
- Victim
- Steve Biko, anti-apartheid leader
- Cause of Death
- Brain injuries
- Date of Death
- September 12, 1977
- Location of Death
- Police custody, South Africa
- Inquest Reopened
- October 2024
- Next Hearing
- November 12