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)
Thousands heading to Marikana for anniversary of the massacre
Thousands of people from all provinces are heading to Marikana to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the massacre. Here is the latest.
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)
Thousands of people from all provinces are heading to Marikana on Wednesday to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the massacre in 2012.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HEADING TO MARIKANA ON WEDNESDAY
Police gunned down thirty-four miners after a six-month-long strike demanding higher wages.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has erected a stage at the koppie where the event will take place.
ALSO READ: Marikana Massacre: ’11 years gone, still no legal action taken’
A WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE
The union said that for the first time they had invited the CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater to attend the commemoration.
Sibanye-Stillwater bought the operations from Lonmin after the massacre.
ALSO READ: Marikana Commemoration: More 20 000 people expected at 10th anniversary
A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the end of the programme at 16:00.
A STAGE HAVE BEEN ERECTED WHERE THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirmed its commitment to dealing with criminal proceedings relating to the Marikana death.
NPA Regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame 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.
ALSO READ: Marikana massacre: See what exactly happened on the day
THE NPA REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO DEALING WITH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
“Further to this, it recommended for 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.”
Henry Mamothame
ALSO READ: Marikana: 15 men accused of various unlawful activities in court
