The reopened inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko has been temporarily halted after his family secured an urgent order from the Gqeberha High Court.
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The ruling was handed down on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, following an urgent application by Steve’s widow, Nontsikelelo ‘Ntsiki’ Biko, and their son, Nkosinathi Biko. The family had asked for more time to properly prepare for the proceedings and review crucial historical documents, reported IOL.
Biko family sought more time to prepare
The family’s legal team argued that it could not adequately participate in the reopened inquest without having sufficient time to examine the extensive documentary record.
According to the publication, among the concerns were thousands of pages from the original 1977 inquest in Afrikaans that require translation into English. The family said this material was important to ensure that its legal team could properly cross-examine witnesses and persons of interest.
The family had previously asked the presiding inquest judge, Isaac Madondo, for a postponement, but that request was rejected on 26 August. Isaac cited concerns about further delays and the fact that only a limited number of witnesses connected to the events surrounding Steve’s death remain alive.
The family subsequently approached the Gqeberha High Court seeking urgent relief.
Also see: South Africa remembers Steve Biko
Court orders temporary halt to proceedings
Judge Jannie Eksteen granted the family’s urgent application, resulting in the temporary suspension of the reopened inquest.
The court ordered that further proceedings be stayed while the family pursues its review application challenging the earlier refusal to grant a postponement. The review is to be dealt with on an expedited basis.
The Citizen reported that the ruling means the inquest will not simply continue while the family prepares its case. No new date for the resumption of proceedings has been announced.
Family welcomes ruling ‘with heavy hearts’
Speaking after the judgment, Nkosinathi Biko said the family was concerned about the delays but also wanted to ensure that the process was properly conducted.
The family has stressed that the aim is not simply to complete the inquest quickly, but to ensure that the available evidence is properly examined.
Nkosinathi also indicated that the Steve Biko Foundation would assist with developing a data centre to bring together historical material relevant to the investigation, including archives from institutions such as the SABC and material connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
What happened to Steve Biko?
Steve, a leading figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, died in police custody on 12 September 1977, aged 30.
He was arrested in August 1977 and was later transported from the Eastern Cape to Pretoria in the back of a police vehicle. The circumstances surrounding his death have remained the subject of controversy for decades.
“Black people need to destroy the only one thing that is against them, which is the psychological feeling of inferiority”.- Steve Biko. pic.twitter.com/fIa1ax7Qz6
— Typical African (@Joe__Bassey) June 1, 2025
According to IOL, the reopened inquest was ordered by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi last year, almost five decades after Steve’s death, to examine whether living individuals could potentially be held responsible.
The latest court ruling comes just days before the 49th anniversary of Steve’s death on 12 September.
The inquest is now temporarily on hold while the legal issues raised by his family are dealt with.
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