Publications
- A former North West deputy police commissioner and five police officers appeared in court on Monday.
- It relates to the murders of two police officers and three civilians in Marikana in 2012.
- The trial will continue until 25 February 2022.
A former North West deputy police commissioner and five police officers appeared in court on Monday regarding the murders of two police officers and three civilians in Marikana in 2012.
The five people were killed during a wage strike by Lonmin mineworkers.
The former deputy commissioner, General William Mpembe, along with Colonel Salmon Vermaak (now retired), Constable Nkosana Mguye, Warrant Officer Collin Mogale, Constable Katlego Sekgweleya and Warrant Officer Khazamola Makhubela, appeared in the North West High Court.
READ | Marikana trial: Public Order Policing study material to come under spotlight
"It is alleged that two police officers and three civilians died as a result of the confrontation between police and mineworkers on that tragic day," said Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng.
According Mahanjana, they face five counts of murder, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening the Commission's Act by giving false information to the Marikana Commission of Inquiry.
When the trial started and the matter was presented to the high court, several key witnesses testified, she said.
"Among the witnesses were the crime scene expert from the South African Police Service (SAPS), a CCTV operator from Lonmin Mines, a videographer from SAPS, a former SAPS lieutenant from the Public Order Policing, and a former miner who was injured during the confrontation," said Mahanjana.
Mahanjana said the State was expected to lead its evidence-in-chief by calling Zwelitsha Mtshenwa, a miner who was shot during the strike.
The case will continue until Friday, 25 February - during which, more witnesses will be called to the stand.
