Biko's son's assault trial on hold as he and wife undergo mediation

Hlumelo Biko, the son of Black Consciousness icon Steve Biko, and his wife are to undergo mediation in connection with the domestic violence allegations against him.

Biko, who has been charged with assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, was supposed to be tried in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

However, the trial did not go ahead.

"It was postponed to 9 October for mediation," his advocate Roy Barendse said.

The mediation is expected to be facilitated in private and not in an open court.

READ: Steve Biko's son in court on assault charge

Biko's mother is businesswoman, politician and academic Mamphela Ramphele.

Police told News24 in January that a domestic violence-related assault complaint was laid by the man's 27-year-old wife on New Year's Day at Camps Bay police station.

His first appearance was on January 4 and he was released on a warning.

After his first appearance Barendse, said that Biko denied committing any assault.

Mediation is available as an option at certain points during a case, and recommendations are sent to a magistrate at the end of the process for a final decision on how to proceed with the matter.