Police officers in dock over Marikana massacre
Nine police officers are set to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate's Court in North West in connection with the events three days before the killing of 34 miners.
The officials face charges of murder, attempted murder, defeating and/or obstructing the ends of justice and the contravention of section 29 of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Act.
According to IPID spokesperson, Moses Dlamini, the charges relate to killings on 13 August 2012.
Three days before the massacre, at least four miners, two police officers, and two security guards were killed.
"People were killed and we have found evidence that these suspects who are appearing in court, were in fact contributors, or the deaths were allegedly due to their actions."
A total of 44 people were killed during the six-week wage strike at the Marikana mine.
Dlamini could not confirm whether the suspects are still serving as police officers.
At their first court appearance, the suspects are expected to explain the events leading up to the tragedy that occurred more than five years ago.
"The Marikana tragedy stands out as the darkest moment in the life of our young democracy," said President Cyril Ramaphosa during his maiden debate of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February.