South Africa: Marikana Massacre 14 Years On - Victims' Families Still Await Criminal Accountability
[Daily Maverick] More than a decade after 34 mineworkers were gunned down by police, their families are still fighting for justice and trade unions for better working conditions.
Fourteen years after the Marikana Massacre, where 34 mineworkers were killed and 78 injured by South African police, their families and trade unions continue to demand justice and improved working conditions. The incident, which occurred on 16 August 2012, saw the miners in a wildcat strike at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana, Rustenburg, demanding a monthly wage increase from R4,000 to R12,500.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) responded, resulting in the most lethal use of force by police since the 1976 Student Uprising. Despite the Farlam Commission of Inquiry clearing key political figures, including current President Cyril Ramaphosa and former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, of involvement, it recommended the National Prosecution Authority investigate and prosecute those responsible. Nine police officers have been charged, but no one has been held criminally accountable thus far.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
