South Africa police accused over Marikana mine deaths

[webfact]

South African president details police killings of strikers
CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA, Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday described the police killings of 34 striking miners near Marikana in 2012 as a "horrendous tragedy," saying investigators found that officers followed a flawed plan to control the protesters and there was "a complete lack of command and control" among some police at the scene.

A government-appointed commission recommended that state prosecutors determine whether any police involved in the killings on Aug. 16 of that year were criminally liable, but concluded senior political leaders were not responsible for the killings, Zuma said on national television. Those leaders included Cyril Ramaphosa, then a prominent figure in the ruling African National Congress party and now South Africa's deputy president.

At the time, Ramaphosa was a director and shareholder of the Lonmin mining company, which was hit by labor protests at its platinum mine near Marikana, northwest of Johannesburg. At least 44 people, including several police and security guards, were killed during the period of unrest in 2012.

The police killings of striking miners shocked many South Africans who were reminded of violent tactics used by South Africa's security forces during white minority rule, which ended with the country's first all-race elections in 1994.

"The Marikana incident was a horrendous tragedy that has no place in a democracy," said Zuma, adding that the world didn't expect such an episode in a "free and democratic South Africa."

Zuma said: "We should, as a nation, learn from this painful episode. We should use it to build a more united, peaceful and cohesive society."

The commission also found that Lonmin and union leaders could have done more to prevent confrontation, and that the striking miners themselves promoted conflict, according to the president. The panel, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, also expressed concern that it took about an hour to get medical help to some of the injured strikers.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-06-26

[NeilSA1]

The late Nelson Mandela was a true patriot. Since he stepped down from office the country has suffered.

[Soutpeel]

The late Nelson Mandela was a true patriot. Since he stepped down from office the country has suffered.

There are high hopes for Cyril Ramaphosa once he gets his turn at being President, Zuma is just thieving, lying, illiterate half wit and thug

Quite surprised Zuma didn't blame the National party and Apartheid for Marikana as they get blamed for the ANC's other failings

Guess the question is, did the Police overreact ? considering said miners where running around with panga's/ firearms and reputedly attacked the police and where given plenty of opportunities to put down their weapons..?

Edited June 27, 2015 by Soutpeel

[suzythaivisa]

so obviously it wasnt apartheid to blame for south africas past ills. so look elsewhere: the dutch reform church for instance and black african tribal culture too.

Edited June 27, 2015 by suzythaivisa

[suzythaivisa]

EFF to lay charges against Ramaphosa

Johannesburg - The Economic Freedom Fighters said on Thursday it would lay charges against deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, former police minister Nathi Mthethwa and top police management for the deaths of 44 people in Marikana three years ago.

more at http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/eff-to-lay-charges-against-ramaphosa-1.1879635

[Soutpeel]

EFF to lay charges against Ramaphosa

Johannesburg - The Economic Freedom Fighters said on Thursday it would lay charges against deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, former police minister Nathi Mthethwa and top police management for the deaths of 44 people in Marikana three years ago.

more at http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/eff-to-lay-charges-against-ramaphosa-1.1879635

Zuma got off with rape, corrpution and stealing aid money to build his house, so no reason why Ramaphosoa will get charged with anything regarding Marikana

Edited July 3, 2015 by Soutpeel

[suzythaivisa]

EFF to lay charges against Ramaphosa

Johannesburg - The Economic Freedom Fighters said on Thursday it would lay charges against deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, former police minister Nathi Mthethwa and top police management for the deaths of 44 people in Marikana three years ago.

more at http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/eff-to-lay-charges-against-ramaphosa-1.1879635

Zuma got off with rape, corrpution and stealing aid money to build his house, so no reason why Ramaphosoa will get charged with anything regarding Marikana

yes but there is another factor into the equation now: they are pretending to be big boys now and so dont need the international criminal court to have jurisdiction in africa. see http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/16/c_134328747.htm

so will have to wait and see how it pans. wouldnt be betting on conviction though. corruption and thuggary goes through to the very heart of africa. part of the culture not going to change that overnight

Edited July 5, 2015 by suzythaivisa