Govt: Almost R69m paid to 35 Marikana families
Government says it has to date paid some R69 million to 35 families who lost loved ones during the Marikana massacre in 2012.
Briefing the media on Tuesday, solicitor-general Fhedzisani Pandelani confirmed that all these claims have been concluded.
The families were represented by Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI).
"To date, the state has paid an amount in the sum of R69 083 005," he said.
The families, through SERI, also claimed for general and constitutional damages at R1.5 million.
Pandelani said the state offered R500 000.00 per claimant, which was rejected.
"The offer was rejected by the legal representatives. The state awaits the claimants, through their representatives, to set the matters relating to general and constitutional damages for court hearing,"
In October 2020, SERI proposed to President Cyril Ramaphosa that there be a Marikana Welfare Fund for 350 claimants for civil damages who will be paid a monthly amount of at least R12 500 for the windows and families to continue taking care of their families.
The office of the solicitor general says there is no legal basis for such a fund to be set up.
For miners, who were injured during the massacre, at least R97 million has been paid.
"Nkome Attorneys represents 275 unlawful arrests and detention. From this number 17 also claimed under the heads of damages for assault, injuries from gun-wounds, and malicious prosecution claimants,- The State has finalised 253 unlawful arrest and detention claims amounting to R97 685 0000."
"A total of 11 matters remain outstanding owing to a number of reasons," said Pandelani.
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