6. Steve Biko’s Death (1977)
Steve Biko’s Death. Photo credit: Cry Freedom
In August 1977, Steve Biko, the founding member of the South African Student Organization (SASO), and his companion Peter Jones drove to Cape Town to meet with members of other liberation movements.
The two were arrested for interrogation under Section 6 of the 1967 Terrorism Act that allowed indefinite detention without trial. It’s alleged that Biko died from the serious brain injuries he sustained from the brutal beating and torture he received from police during the interrogation.
The announcement of Biko’s death on September 12, 1977, sparked nationwide protests, with protesters calling for a thorough inquiry in to his death.
