URGENT: South Africa Reopens Inquest into Steve Biko's Fatal Beating.

South Africa Reopens Inquest into Steve Biko's Fatal Beating The South African government has reopened the inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who died in police custody nearly 45 years ago. The move comes on the 48th anniversary of Biko's death. Biko was arrested in Port Elizabeth in August 1977 and spent almost a month in cell 619, where he was subjected to physical abuse and neglect. He died on September 12, 1977, after being beaten by police. The government has reopened the inquest to establish what really happened in "room 619" and to provide closure to Biko's family and society at large. Luxolo Tyali, a spokesman for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the move is part of efforts to address past atrocities. Biko was a key figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, which advocated for an end to apartheid. His death sparked widespread outrage and protests against the government. The reopened inquest will examine new evidence and testimony from witnesses. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for South Africa's ongoing reckoning with its troubled past. This is a developing story. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*