Marikana – In a written statement read back to the Farlam Commission by Dali Mpofu, Minister Susan Shabangu stated in 2008: “You must kill the bastards if they threaten you or the community. You must not worry about the regulations. That is my responsibility. Your responsibility is to serve and protect…” and “I want no warning shots. You have one shot and it must be a kill shot…”
On the 12th of August Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded his testimony at the Marikana Commission of Inquiry.
The Deputy President was allegedly involved in political interference during the Lonmin strike after an exchange of emails between himself and Lonmin management during the August 2012 strikes, saying the terrible events that had unfolded cannot be described as a labour dispute. The Deputy President told the inquiry that his intervention was intended to prevent further loss of life, after at least nine people had been killed in the days before the police shooting, including two police officers and Lonmin security guards.
The Deputy President was the founder and Chairman of Shanduka Group (Pty) Ltd. In 2010, Shanduka acquired 50.3% in Incwala Resources (Pty) Ltd, a black economic empowerment vehicle that owns 18% in two South African registered Lonmin Plc subsidiaries, being Western Platinum Limited and Eastern Platinum Limited. Collectively these subsidiaries are referred to as Lonplats.
Deputy President Ramaphosa was appointed as a non-executive director on the board of Lonmin in July 2010, which he held until 31 January 2013. He left his position at Lonmin shortly after becoming deputy president of the African National Congress.
The commission – chaired by retired Judge Ian Farlam – was set up by President Zuma to look into the tragic events which took place around the Marikana mine in Rustenburg, in the North West, in 2012.
At least 44 people were killed, while roughly 70 were injured and over 250 were arrested in the wake of strike-related unrest.
On the 30th June 2014 the Marikana Commission of Inquiry was given more time to complete its work and the term was extended from 31 July 2014 to complete on the 30th of September 2014.
