Marikana Massacre 13 years on: EFF reiterates accountability

JOHANNESBURG - Saturday (16 August) marks 13 years since the Marikana Massacre when police opened fire on a group of protesting mineworkers in the North West province.

In marking the day, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have described the deaths of 34 mineworkers on the day as a crime against the working class, saying they were executed under the command of the state to protect white monopoly capital.

Only nine police officers have been prosecuted for the events on 13 August 2012 and other events leading up to the day.

Forty-four people were killed between 12 and 16 August in demonstrations and events that led to the main wage-related demonstration by miners at the koppie in Marikana.

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According to the Farlam Commission of Inquiry report, police fired over 300 rounds of live ammunition over an eight- to 12-second period at the first scene, where 16 mineworkers died.

Police then pursued the fleeing mineworkers into the surrounding rocky area and killed another 17, having fired 295 rounds of ammunition, and 14 of the 17 died on the scene.

In addition to the deaths, at least another 78 of the miners were severely injured, and approximately 250 were arrested.

The EFF has reiterated its commitment to help seek justice for the families of the slain workers, adding that it will not rest until the mining industry is nationalised.