Marikana inquiry continues

The Farlam Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana last year, is expected to continue on Thursday.

 

Thirty four people -- almost all striking mineworkers -- were killed on August 16 when police opened fire on them. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.

 

During the last hearing, the inquiry heard of how policemen attacked by armed Marikana miners they were escorting last August were not warned to stay in their Nyala vehicle.

 

North West deputy police commissioner General William Mpembe said he had given no instruction to the officers to stay in the vehicle.

 

He was the overall police commander when Warrant Officers Sello Leepaku and Tsietsi Monene were hacked, stabbed, and shot to death during the unrest. 

 

On Tuesday, Mpembe was being cross-examined by Louis Gumbi, for the Leepaku family and Baloyi. 

 

Proceedings were adjourned slightly earlier than expected on Tuesday after Mpembe said he was not feeling well.

 

-Sapa