Steve Biko inquest: Funding granted for family's legal team
The reopened inquest into Steve Biko’s death is set to hear evidence from former apartheid-era security figures, nearly 50 years after the anti-apartheid activist died in police custody.
The South African state has provided funding for the legal team of Steve Biko's family, paving the way for a reopened inquest into the former anti-apartheid activist's death in 1977. The inquest, which was set to begin at Gqeberha High Court on Tuesday, was delayed as the family's newly appointed lawyers requested more time to prepare their case.
Biko's widow, Nontsikelelo, initially failed the legal aid's means test, denying her family access to legal representation. However, the court approved funding for the legal team just 24 hours before the scheduled hearing. Biko's son, Nkosinathi, expressed frustration that the family had to argue over money on the first day of proceedings.
The case aims to determine whether Biko's death was caused by an act or omission that constitutes a crime. The matter has faced multiple delays, primarily over the issue of legal representation for two former police officers who were involved in Biko's arrest and subsequent detention. Former police operative Craig Williamson, who was not initially on the witness list, is now expected to testify.
The original inquest into Biko's death concluded that he had injured himself when he banged his head against a wall. However, subsequent investigations have cast doubt on this conclusion.
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