Summary
South Africa has reopened an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who died in police custody in 1977. The government wants to uncover the truth about his death, which was previously attributed to an accident by police. This move is part of efforts to address past injustices and provide closure to Biko's family and the public.
Key Facts
- Steve Biko was an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa and the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement.
- The South African government has reopened an investigation into Biko's death 48 years after it occurred.
- Biko was arrested for violating a movement ban and held in police custody in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha.
- Shortly after his arrest, Biko was found with foam around his mouth and was later transported a significant distance to a hospital in Pretoria.
- Biko died in September 1977 at age 30, officially recorded as having suffered brain injuries and kidney failure.
- The police initially claimed Biko died after hitting his head accidentally, but many believe he was tortured.
- A previous inquest and testimony from police caused outrage and skepticism, particularly among Black South Africans.
- The reopening of the case follows broader efforts to investigate historical injustices and crimes during apartheid, including other cases like the "Cradock Four."
