Marikana leaders’ trial resumes in the North West High Court
The charges relate to the murder of 10 people.
Communities around Marikana are squabbling with mining companies for reneging on their promises. Picture: African News Agency
Leaders of the Marikana strike facing multiple charges relating to a violent strike at Lonmin Platinum Mine in 2012, are due to appear in the North West High Court in Mogwase on Monday for trial.
Anele Zonke, Xolani Nzuza, Mzoxolo Magidiwana and 14 others are facing charges of murder, robbery, malicious damage to property and unlawful possession of firearm.
The charges relate to the murder of 10 people, preceding August 16, 2012, the day on which 34 mineworkers were killed by the police during a wildcat strike at Lonmin platinum mine operations in Marikana.
The state alleges the accused killed two policemen, two Lonmin security officers and three non-striking workers among others.
Nineteen mineworkers were initially arrested, but Majeke Nonkonyana and Tholakele ‘Bhele’ Dlunga have since died. Dlunga was shot in his shack on October 17, 2017.
Police Minister Fikile Mbalula announced on Sunday, that the police have made a major breakthrough in arresting three masterminds of killing in the platinum belt, with three suspected of being hitmen.
In total, nine people have been arrested in connection with the killings in the North West platinum belt.
– African News Agency (ANA)
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