Seeking justice: NPA to reopen inquest into the 1977 death of Steve Biko
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is set to reopen an inquest into the 1977 death of Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko.
Image: Independent Media Archives
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is set to reopen an inquest into the 1977 death of Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko.
The inquest which will be reopened on Friday, September 12, 2025, follows the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development’s approval which was supported by the legal representatives of the Biko family.
In a similar note, early this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate whether attempts were made to obstruct investigations or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
This comes after Veteran journalist Lukhanyo Calata, the son of Fort Calata, one of four anti-apartheid activists from Cradock, assassinated by the government in 1985, together with other families alongside the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) brought a legal challenge before the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria for gross human rights violations under apartheid.
Speaking to IOL at the time, Calata said as families, they were pleased that Ramaphosa finally announced the decision to establish a commission of inquiry.
"Now he needs to urgently announce the terms of reference, the judge to preside over it as well as the start date. As the families, we look forward to the hearings and finding out the truth around who in the ANC administrations interfered with the work of the NPA to prevent the prosecutions of our fathers’ killers," he said.
Calata said this was a step towards justice and closure.
"Their dark and dastardly deeds must be brought into light. This is yet another crucial step to help the long-suffering families on their journey towards truth, justice, and closure."
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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