Steve Biko

Stephen Bantu Biko (December 18, 1946 – September 12 1977) was a noted nonviolent anti-apartheid activist in South Africa in the 1960s. He was a student at the University of Fort Hare. Because he was dissatisfied with the National Union of South African Students, he helped found the South African Students' Organization in 1968 and was elected its first president. In 1972, Biko became honorary president of the Black People's Convention. He was banned during the height of apartheid in March 1973, meaning that he was not allowed to speak to more than one person at a time and so could not make speeches in public. It was also forbidden to quote anything he said, including speeches or simple conversations, or to otherwise mention him.

Related Topics:
December 18 - 1946 - September 12 - 1977 - Nonviolent - Apartheid - South Africa - 1960s - University of Fort Hare - National Union of South African Students - South African Students' Organization - 1968 - 1972 - Black People's Convention - 1973

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On September 6, 1977, he was arrested at a police roadblock under the Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967. He suffered a major head injury while in police custody and was chained to a window grill for a full day. On September 11, police loaded him into the back of a car and began the 740-mile drive to Pretoria. He died shortly after the arrival in the Pretoria prison. Police claimed his death was the result of an extended hunger strike.

Related Topics:
September 6 - Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967 - September 11

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On October 7, 2003, South African Justice Ministry officials announced that the five policemen who were accused of killing Biko would not be prosecuted because of insufficient evidence.

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October 7 - 2003

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They said a murder charge could not be supported partly because there were no witnesses to the killing.

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Charges of culpable homicide and assault were also considered, but because the killing occurred in 1977, the time frame for prosecution had expired. http://news.independent.co.uk/world/africa/story.jsp?story=451008

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Voted 13th in 2004 in the top 100 great South Africans list.

Related Topics:
2004 - Top 100 great South Africans list

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