The African National Congress (ANC) said on Friday it considered the reopening of the inquest into the death of anti-Apartheid activist and Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko recognition of injustices of the past.

The National Prosecuting Authority will on Friday enrol the reopening of the inquest into Biko’s death.

Biko died in police detention after he was allegedly tortured by personnel of the then Apartheid regime in 1977.

The reopening of the inquest comes from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi’s approval of the National Director of Public Prosecutions’ request, which was supported by the legal representatives of the Biko family.

“The wheels of justice are gradually moving to avenge those subjected to the worst of the human rights abuses, cold blooded murder and denial of the truth and healing by the Apartheid regime,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

She said this development represented a moment for the truth of what happened in 1977 to emerge, and for healing and closure for the Biko family and South Africans.

Bhengu said the ANC viewed the reopening of the inquest as important in the country’s liberation history.

“Steve Biko falls into the category of those who suffered for justice and freedom. The reopening of the inquest follows on other inquests into the deaths of Griffiths Mxenge, the Cradock Four and Chief Albert Luthuli. The ANC joins their families in pursuing the truth and finding justice,” she stated.