Torture claims disgust FYL
2012-09-09 22:17
Johannesburg - The Friends of the Youth League (FYL) has lashed out after reports that mineworkers were tortured to determine whether Julius Malema incited violence at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana.
"We are disgusted by attempts of the state security apparatuses, particularly the badly run, inefficient, and useless national intelligence, to link Julius Malema to the events," said spokesperson Floyd Shivambu in a statement on Sunday.
He said the FYL knew of ministers who were "hell-bent" on linking Malema to the events at Marikana.
On August 16, police fired on striking miners, killing 34 and wounding 78. Another 270 were arrested.
On Sunday, City Press reported that Colonel Nkosana "Killer" Ximba had made the incitement claim to his superiors.
Asked about the alleged torture, he said: "Did you see me there? Go and do an investigation before talking such rubbish".
Ximba has been implicated in the death of Oupa Ramogibe, the love rival of suspended police crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli. Charges have been withdrawn pending an inquest currently underway.
The City Press report was based on information from two official sources, which claimed standard procedure was not followed when the miners were booked out of their cells.
Assaults
It reported that the state security agency was asked to investigate the incitement claim, but could not verify it.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate told the newspaper it was probing allegations of police assaults at five police stations, but was not aware of the torture claim.
Shivambu said the involvement of the FYL and Malema in Marikana and other mines, was to represent hope for the people involved and to help find solutions.
"Now attempts by the state, and their rented dogs...are barking all over the media spreading conspiracies and rumours that our involvement in the Marikana events was bought and intended to destabilise the South African government."
He said that the mineworkers were not "fools" and knew who could best represent their interests.
"So attempts to criminalise those who voice workers' interests, will forever fail."
Shivambu also likened the current government to that of the apartheid regime. "Under apartheid, those who were arrested were tortured in an attempt to implicate leaders, and that is exactly what is happening today."
He said the FYL would not stop associating with the struggles of the oppressed people in the country.
- SAPA
