IPID opens murder dockets over Marikana
2012-08-27 15:58
Johannesburg - The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has opened a murder and attempted murder docket to probe the shooting deaths of 34 people at Lonmin's Marikana mine.
"We are investigating 34 counts of murder," IPID spokesperson Moses Dlamini said.
Another 32 counts of attempted murder were being investigated.
"This number will change... We would only add more counts as people come forward and say they were injured, or if we ascertain that they were injured."
The figure of 32 was last updated a day after the August 16 shooting.
The police ministry said 34 people were killed and 78 injured when police officers tried to disperse strikers.
The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union over recognition agreements. Workers also wanted higher wages.
- SAPA
