11 years on since the Marikana Massacre

It is the 11th year since the Marikana Massacre. The infamous incident took place on 16 August 2012 at Marikana Koppie near Rustenburg in the North West province.

Police officers opened fire and shot at a large crowd of mineworkers who participated in an illegal strike demanding a monthly salary of R12, 500 paid to them. As a result, 34 mineworkers were shot dead while 78 others were left injured.

At least 10 police officers, security guards and workers were killed just days prior to the strike.

A legal representative Andries Nkome, said 229 of the arrested and 14 mineworkers who were injured in the strike, have since had their claims settled.

Nkome said that the outstanding claims were further delayed by the petitioners’ filling of wrong personal documents.

He would go on to add that they will do everything in their power to take President Cyril Ramaphosa to court, and order him to make an apology for the massacre that occurred at his Lonmin Platinum Mine.

The defence attorney said that once the court has ordered Ramaphosa to issue an apology and foot the bill for their clients, a reviewing of Farlam’s recommendations and report will soon begin.