Steve Biko inquest adjourned to March in Gqeberha

The Gqeberha High Court has adjourned the inquest into Steve Bantu Biko's death to March 4. The delay allows time to resolve legal representation for two persons of interest. This reopened probe examines Biko's 1977 death in police custody.

The inquest into the death of Black Consciousness leader Steve Bantu Biko was adjourned by the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape until March 4. The postponement aims to address legal representation issues for the two persons of interest involved.

This reopened inquest seeks to re-examine the circumstances of Biko's death while in police custody in 1977. It will determine whether anyone can be held criminally responsible, following a 1978 inquest that cleared apartheid-era police of wrongdoing.

The two former apartheid police officers have applied for state funding for their legal representatives. This matter must be confirmed before proceedings can continue.

Biko, a prominent anti-apartheid activist, died in custody at age 30, sparking international outrage and highlighting abuses under the apartheid regime.

Related Articles

Dramatic courtroom illustration of South African inquiry into alleged police corruption and drug cartel infiltration.
Image generated by AI

Hearings expose alleged drug cartel ties in South African policing

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Two parallel inquiries in South Africa have uncovered deep distrust and corruption allegations within law enforcement, stemming from claims of a drug cartel's infiltration into police and politics. Key figures like former minister Bheki Cele and Vusimuzi Matlala face scrutiny over financial dealings, while the disbandment of a task team raises questions about protecting criminals. The Madlanga Commission is set to submit an interim report this week, though it will remain confidential.

Retired Justice Bess Nkabinde has postponed the Nkabinde Inquiry until Thursday to address concerns over Advocate Shamila Batohi's legal representation. The delay stems from Batohi's request for personal counsel, which was denied state funding, prompting her to seek help from the new National Director of Public Prosecutions. The inquiry is examining the fitness of suspended South Gauteng Director Andrew Chauke.

Reported by AI

The trial within a trial for six men accused of the mass murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki has been adjourned until Wednesday due to noisy weather conditions in the courtroom. A new witness, police officer Zonwabele Mpofana, testified via video link about arresting two of the accused. Mpofana denied claims of assault during the arrests.

More than 20 individuals involved in the R113 million fraud and corruption case at the Mpumalanga Education Department have been remanded in custody by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday for bail applications. Only 15 out of 38 arrested suspects have been granted bail so far, ranging from R5 000 to R50 000.

Reported by AI

The Khampepe Commission has heard testimony on the 1983 kidnapping and torture of anti-apartheid activist Nokuthula Simelane, whose case was stalled by political decisions. Investigator Andrew Leask detailed how security police officers were linked to her death, but prosecutions were halted by orders from former justice minister Brigitte Mabandla. Interference from police commissioner Jackie Selebi further obstructed efforts to bring suspects to trial.

The trial of pig farmer Zachariah Olivier, accused of murdering two women, continued at the High Court in Polokwane. Lead investigator Captain Phaladi Makola testified that Olivier wished to confess to the killings. The case involves the deaths of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu in August 2024.

Reported by AI

Former acting South African Police Service commissioner Khomotso Phahlane testified before Parliament's ad hoc committee on January 14, 2026, claiming political interference in policing escalated after the ANC's 2007 Polokwane conference. He accused figures like Robert McBride and Paul O'Sullivan of orchestrating a media campaign to discredit him. The testimony relates to allegations of cartel infiltration in the justice system raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline