Biko's Death & Woods' Escape: Defying Apartheid
Biko's Arrest and Suspicious Death
One day, Steve Biko drove to speak at a meeting for a black students' organization. On the way, he was stopped by the police. They asked about Biko's papers without initially knowing his identity. Once they recognized him as Biko, they arrested him. In prison, they beat him severely, leaving his body badly injured. A doctor recommended that Biko be hospitalized. However, the police, not wanting anyone to see his condition, transferred him to the police hospital in Pretoria. Biko died there under unclear circumstances.
Donald Woods felt profound sadness over the loss of his friend and wanted to preserve his cause. So, he published an article titled “Biko Dies In Custody”.
Woods Exposes Truth Amidst Pressure
Woods and his employees wanted to see Biko's body and took photographs. The next day was Biko's funeral, attended by Ken and Ntsiki (Biko's wife). The government aimed to shut down Woods' newspaper due to its constant conflict with the authorities and its consistent support for black people like Biko. Woods decided the only way to fight back was to travel abroad. He sent photos of Biko's death to England and America, demanding a global investigation. However, the government stopped him at the airport.
Despite police surveillance ensuring Woods was not writing a book about Biko's life, Woods believed that Biko's ideas must live on. Woods' wife, Wendy, also wanted Biko's ideas to see the light.
Planning the Escape from South Africa
To be able to write the book, Woods decided he had to escape from South Africa. He began devising a plan. Father Kani and Bruce McCullough helped him formulate this plan.
Woods' Perilous Journey to Lesotho
On December 31st, Woods' plan was set in motion. He disguised himself as a priest. Concealed in the back seat of Wendy's car, she drove Woods to King William's Town. From there, Woods hitchhiked, beginning his escape. He met Father Kani, who drove with him to a river. Woods then met Tami, a friend of Biko, who helped him and drove him to the Telle Bridge. There, he met Moses. Moses worked with the postal service and offered Woods a ride to Maseru. At the passport station, Woods was nervous but tried to hide his feelings. After passing through, he was driven to Lesotho, where he called his family.
Securing Biko's Legacy Abroad
The journey was almost complete. With Moses' help (who still believed Woods was a priest), Woods met Bruce McCullough. They continued to Maseru, where Woods had the chance to speak with the British acting High Commissioner. He asked him for help entering the United Kingdom. Woods felt sad as he looked out the window, realizing he might never see his country again. Nevertheless, he was happy that his book about Biko would finally be published. The sound of thousands singing at Biko's funeral remained clear in his mind.