Biko family seeks interim stay of Steve Biko inquest
The family has filed papers in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha.
The Biko family has taken legal action in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha, seeking an interim stay of the Steve Biko inquest. This request follows retired Justice Isaac Madondo's ruling of August 26, which dismissed the family's earlier application to postpone the inquiry. The Biko family, who have recently enlisted legal representation, argue that their team lacks a reasonable opportunity to properly review, analyze, and cross-reference the documentary evidence, as well as to adequately prepare for the proceedings.
They added that should the inquest continue without a halt, witnesses may be called to testify and subsequently excused before the applicants have a chance to exercise their statutory right to participate. Steve Biko, the late Black Consciousness leader, passed away on September 12, 1977, following severe injuries sustained while in detention.
Although a 1977 inquest found no one responsible for his death, the inquiry was later reopened following the emergence of additional evidence concerning Biko's demise.
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