Marikana
People gather on Wonderkop in Marikana, Rustenburg, where striking mineworkers were killed during the Marikana Massacre, to mark the event’s seventh anniversary on August 16, 2019. – Hundreds of South African miners sang remembrance songs on August 16 at the site of the 2012 Marikana massacre where 34 miners were gunned down after police were deployed to break up a wildcat strike. The Association of Mine workers and Construction Union (AMCU) are still at loggerheads with the mining company years later over basic wages with many workers still discontent. (Photo by GULSHAN KHAN / AFP)

Home » ‘Committed to dealing with proceedings’: NPA on Marikana deaths

‘Committed to dealing with proceedings’: NPA on Marikana deaths

The Marikana Massacre where 34 miners were shot death happened 11 years ago, however, no one has been held accountable.

By Nokwanda Ncwane
17-08-23 16:37
in Featured
Marikana
People gather on Wonderkop in Marikana, Rustenburg, where striking mineworkers were killed during the Marikana Massacre, to mark the event’s seventh anniversary on August 16, 2019. – Hundreds of South African miners sang remembrance songs on August 16 at the site of the 2012 Marikana massacre where 34 miners were gunned down after police were deployed to break up a wildcat strike. The Association of Mine workers and Construction Union (AMCU) are still at loggerheads with the mining company years later over basic wages with many workers still discontent. (Photo by GULSHAN KHAN / AFP)

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is committed to dealing with criminal proceedings relating to the Marikana deaths that occurred in August 2012, when Lonmin miners embarked on a strike for a wage increase. 

Wednesday, 16 August marked 11 years since the Marikana Massacre. 

ALSO READ: Marikana Massacre: ’11 years gone, still no legal action taken’

NPA COMMITTED TO DEALING WITH MARIKANA DEATHS 

The NPA said following these deaths, the establishment of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry made recommendations for law enforcement entities to institute criminal charges against the perpetrators, where evidence is available. 

Further to this, it recommended that criminal investigations be instituted to bring the perpetrators to book. 

“Having noted the litigious nature and complexity of the incident, all role players have been in constant consultation to fast-track the process of completing investigations and where possible institute criminal charges,” NPA spokesperson in the North West Henry Mamothame said. 

ALSO READ: Malema forced to withdraw brutal ‘Marikana insult’ aimed at Ramaphosa

Marikana
Miners gathered at the koppie in Marikana. Image: File.

As previously reported, regarding the death of the 34 miners who were tragically killed on 16 August 2012, allegedly by the police during an unprotected strike, the Farlam Commission recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, investigate the killings to decide whether to charge any person or not, regarding the killings. 

Mathome said a team of advocates from the NPA Head office were assembled to deal with the matter, subsequently relieving the DPP of the responsibility, however in mid-2022, the matter was brought back to the North West Division. The division at the time was challenged with unfilled vacancies, with limited prosecutors to study the voluminous docket. The necessary resources were made available, and vacancies were filled. 

“A team of senior state advocates headed by a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions was then assembled and is currently studying the docket, with ongoing consultations with IPID also taking place, to fast-track the finalisation of reaching a decision,” he added. 

ALSO READ: Marikana massacre: Ramaphosa ordered to apologise or face legal action

11 YEARS LATER, NO ONE HELD ACCOUNTABLE


NPA spokesperson in the North West Henry Mamothame said there is a case where General Mzondase Mpembe and five other police officers, Colonel Salmon Vermaak, Constable Nkosana Mguye, Warrant Officer Katlego Sekgweleya, Warrant Officer Masilo Mogale and Warrant Officer Khazamola Makhubela, charged with the murder of three police officers and two miners who died during the confrontation between the police and miners, preceding the incident of 16 August 2012. 

Mamothame said the matter is before the High Court of South Africa; North West Division, and the trial sat on 1 – 4 August 2023. It was postponed to 13 – 15 November 2023, for further trial and the state is expected to call on more witnesses to prove its case. 

In 2021, former North West Deputy-Provincial Commissioner, General Mzondase Mpembe, and his three co-accused were cleared of charges related to the death of a miner during the Marikana massacre in the North West High Court.

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