Court rules in favour of Biko family to halt proceedings temporarily

The family of Steve Biko, the former Black Consciousness leader, has expressed their approval of the Gqeberha High Court's decision to temporarily suspend the inquest proceedings regarding his death. The Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha will convene on Wednesday to consider an urgent application by the family's legal representative to pause the inquest into Steve Biko's death from 1977.

The family sought critical documents and affidavits from that inquest and the archives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to allow sufficient time for adequate preparation for the witness and persons of interest cross-examination. Despite initial refusal by Judge Isaac Madondo, Judge Johannes Eksteen made a different decision.

Nkosinathi Biko, a spokesperson for the family, stated that the case is not about winning or losing, but rather ensuring the material can be revisited by the investigating officer to resolve the gaps in evidence. They have already approached institutions such as the SABC, which has extensive archives related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.