EFF statement on the implementation of the Farlam Commission recommendations in response to the Marikana massacre

11 December 2016

The EFF welcomes, on condition, the decision by the departments to implement Farlam commission recommendations in response to the Marikana Massacre that occurred in August 2012 and saw the lives of 34 miners ended tragically. 

The decision to charge the police for the murder of the Marikana miners is one ascending in the right direction. This decision is also one that is amputated in the quest for seeking justice as the parties involved in the brutal massacre are not brought forward in completion. The objective to seek accountability from one side of the role players of the massacre is futile if Cyril Ramaphosa, Nathi Nhleko and Suzanne Shabangu are not held accountable for their political influence that invigorated the massacre. The police acted on political command and influence of politicians who still enjoy their lives without consequence. 

The attempt to forge the criminal cases against the police excluding Cyril Ramaphosa, Nathi Nhleko and Suzanne Shabangu are once again an attempt to detract those with political power from the crimes they do through abuse of state institutions and resources. 

The trauma undergone by the miners and their families are can never be repaired by money. Furthermore, to decide what amount is to be paid to them without having including them in the decision making processes undermines the tragedy and the trauma suffered by the miners and their families in the hands of the ANC government.

Once again the EFF calls on the SAPS to fast track the cases against Ramaphosa, Mthethwa and Shabangu that we opened regarding their role in the Marikana Massacre. Until politicians taken behind bars, the arrest of police is merely an immoral sacrificial lamb. Ramaphosa, Mthethwa and Shabangu must be taken to prison for killing workers in Marikana.  

Issued by Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi, National Spokesperson, EFF, 11 December 2016