South Africa to commemorate the Marikana tragedy

Various events to commemorate the Marikana tragedy were planned by government, affected communities, mining companies and labour organisations, said national police commissioner Riah Phiyega on Sunday.

 

Phiyega was speaking in Langa, Cape Town, where a prayer session in remebrance of the tragedy was held by members of SA Methodist Church.
 

"I ask that we pray earnestly as we spare a thought for the families, friends and colleagues of the security guards, police officers, workers and union officials who lost their lives.
 

"Many of those affected by the tragedy are still grieving. Some are still angry as a result of their loss," she said in a prepared speech.
 

Phiyega said the tragedy affected the police both as individuals as well as an organisation.
 

"I feel the pain that they are experiencing... I am learning to come to terms with it."
 

She urged South Africans to remember the tragedy responsibly and sensitively saying she wants to repair the rift between the police and the communities, particularly along the platinum belt.
 

"I would like to see us working together to prevent, combat and investigate crime. It is the criminals who must fear and hate the police."
 

-Sapa