Marikana miners want to march

Miners arrested and wounded during strike-related unrest in Marikana last year want to hold a peaceful march, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.

 

Dali Mpofu, for the miners, said this came after the Constitutional Court dismissed their application to have the State fund their legal team.

 

"They want legal representation at the State's expense," said Mpofu.

 

He indicated that the march would most probably head to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

 

Scores of miners filled the auditorium in Centurion as Mpofu reported back to the commission on the decision of the Constitutional Court.

 

SA Council of Churches president Anglican Bishop Joe Seoka and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union president Joseph Mathunjwa were also present during the proceedings.

 

After reporting back to the commission, Mpofu requested that they be excused.

 

"Until there is funding on the table, their participation is withdrawn," he said.

 

The miners, Mpofu, Seoka, and Mathunjwa then left the proceedings.

 

Retired judge Ian Farlam said the commission would continue.

 

North West deputy police commissioner General William Mpembe would be cross-examined.

 

He gave evidence several months ago but his cross-examination had been put on hold as Mpofu tried to get funding for his team.

 

The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest at Lonmin Platinum's mining operations in Marikana, North West, last year.

 

Thirty-four people -- almost all striking mine workers -- were killed in Marikana on August 16, 2012, when police fired on them.

 

Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.

 

-Sapa