Marikana protesters to appear in court

A total of 259 Marikana protesters are expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court today.

“They will all appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court on various charges which include murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, public violence and more,” Captain Dennis Adrio said.

The protesters were arrested on Thursday following the violent confrontation between police and striking workers of Lonmin’s platinum mine in Marikana, North West.
A total of 34 people were killed in the shootout that erupted near the mine on Thursday when police tried to disperse striking miners.

More than 78 people were injured. Another 10 people had by then been killed in violent protests at the mine over the past week.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages.

Abdulaahi Mohamed Omar 

Chief Editor Galcad24.com 

Balwaan2007@yahoo.com