File
The National Prosecuting Authority says it remains committed to dealing with criminal proceedings relating to the deaths of miners in the 2012 Marikana massacre.
NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, reiterated the prosecuting authority’s commitment on the anniversary of the massacre of 34 Lonmin mineworkers.
Ten other people were killed in the run-up to the shooting by police on 16 August 2012.
Mamothame said the subsequent Farlam Commission of Inquiry had recommended that law enforcement entities institute criminal charges against the perpetrators, where evidence was available.
He said, “All role players have been in constant consultation to fast-track the process of completing investigations and where possible institute criminal charges.”
Mamothame said a team of senior state advocates headed by a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions was assembled and is currently studying the docket so that a decision can be made.
He said several officers, General Mzondase Mpembe, the former Deputy Police Commissioner, and three senior police officers, were acquitted in March 2021, on charges of defeating the ends of justice.
This was for allegedly concealing information about the murder of Modisaotsile Segalala, who allegedly died in a police centre.
Mamothame said currently, General Mpembe and five other police officers are on trial for the murder of three police officers and two miners who died during the confrontation between the police and miners in the period before the Marikana massacre.
He said the matter is before the North West High and will resume again on 13 November.
“The NPA also has a case against 18 miners, charged with murder and other serious offences.”
