Marikana mineworkers’ murder trial put on hold indefinitely
Lawyer also wants Ramaphosa charged
The murder trial of 17 Marikana mineworkers was postponed yesterday in the Rustenburg Regional Court.
The case will only proceed once the mineworkers’ lawyer has approached Shaun Abrahams, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, to review and set aside his decision not to charge Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa for his role in the massacre.
Andries Nkome, the mineworkers’ lawyer, said his clients will ask the Mogwase Circuit Court to review and set aside Abrahams’ decision not to charge Ramaphosa.
According to Nkome, Abrahams has not responded to their demand, hence their decision to go to court.
Xolani Nzuza, Tholakele Dlunga, Sithembele Sohadi and Loyiso Mtsheketshe are among 17 Lonmin mineworkers who will face seven counts of murder, five of attempted murder, robbery, malicious damage to property and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
One of the accused, Majeke Nonkonyana, died while awaiting trial, according to National Prosecuting Authority.
They are accused of hacking police officers Sello Lepaku and Tsietsi Monene, killing security guards Hassan Fundi and Frans Mabelane, and mineworkers Julius Langa, Isaiah Twala and Thapelo Mabebe.
Lepaku and Monene were killed on August 13 2012, while their colleague, Lieutenant Shitumo Baloyi, was so severely injured he had to stop working due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fundi and Mabelane were allegedly killed and robbed of two shotguns and cellphones on August 12 2012.
Mabebe was chopped in the face, while Langa died as a result of multiple stab wounds to his chest and abdomen.
Twala, a Lonmin supervisor and a National Union of Mineworkers shop steward, was killed behind a koppie.
The state has lined up 65 witnesses to testify during the trial.