Steve Biko, an influential anti-apartheid activist and the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, was stopped and detained by police at a roadblock in King William's Town, South Africa, under the Terrorism Act No. 83 of 1967. The act was used extensively by the apartheid regime to suppress dissent and imprison those considered threats to the state. During his detention, Biko was subjected to brutal interrogation and physical abuse by the police, leading to serious injuries that would ultimately prove fatal. He died shortly after his arrest, under suspicious circumstances, bringing significant scrutiny to the actions of the South African police and the oppressive laws enforced under apartheid.

The aftermath of Biko’s death ignited widespread outrage both in South Africa and globally. Activists, human rights organizations, and the black community protested against the circumstances of his death, emphasizing the brutality of the apartheid regime. Biko’s role as a leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, which sought to instill pride and identity among black South Africans, further intensified the reaction. His teachings focused on self-worth, consciousness, and the importance of psychological liberation from oppressive systems.

Biko’s untimely death was a catalyst for international condemnation of apartheid policies and led to increased activism within South Africa. This event marked a turning point that eventually contributed to the growing anti-apartheid movement which sought the dismantling of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. The legacy of Biko remains significant, as he is often remembered as a martyr for the cause of liberation and equality.