Policemen accused of killing Biko will not be prosecuted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Five South African policemen accused of killing the anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in 1977, giving rise to worldwide protests, will not be prosecuted, the government said yesterday.
An inquest was told that Biko had been driven naked, shackled and unconscious in the back of a police van from Port Elizabeth, where he was arrested, to a police cell in Pretoria, where he died of brain injuries. But the South African justice ministry found that there was insufficient evidence to support a murder charge, partly because there were no eyewitnesses. Charges of culpable homicide and assault were also considered, but because Biko died so long ago it was no longer possible to prosecute.
"If at a later stage new evidence emerged that cleared the problems we've had, we would reconsider our decision. With a matter like this, we can't leave it hanging, we must have finality," said Chris MacAdam, a lawyer for the National Prosecuting Authority.
In 1999, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, formed to help heal apartheid's emotional and psychological wounds, denied amnesty to the five men. To qualify, applicants had to prove a political motive for their crimes and tell the commission the full truth of their activities.
All five policemen said Biko tried to attack one of his interrogators while in custody in Port Elizabeth, and claimed his head accidentally hit a wall as they tried to restrain him. Although barely conscious, he was left chained to a metal gate in a standing position for two days before being taken to Pretoria.
The killing of the 30-year-old activist caused world outrage, especially after Jimmy Kruger, the justice minister at the time, said Biko's death "leaves me cold". Biko became a martyr in South Africa's townships.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments