marine1
Honorary Master
More than ever convinced NUM had these guys killed.
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Marikana Shootings Farlam Commission Thread
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Relationship between Lonmin and Police was 'professional'
The relationship between police and Lonmin was professional, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Wednesday.
"We wouldn't have functioned properly without ears and eyes there," Maj-Gen Charl Annandale said during cross-examination by Lonmin lawyer Schalk Burger.
Annandale headed the police's tactical response team during last year's unrest at the platinum mine in Marikana, North West.
He told the commission the two parties exchanged information during the unrest and Lonmin provided police with CCTV footage.
"We wouldn't have been able to work properly without them [Lonmin] playing their important role," he said.
Had the company refused to provide the information, it could have been regarded as a criminal offence, said Annandale.
On Tuesday, Dali Mpofu, for the arrested and injured miners, described the relationship between police and Lonmin as "toxic".
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people killed in Lonmin's wage-related unrest last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
The public hearings are being held in Rustenburg.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/th/jk
Date : 15 May 2013 11:59
The relationship between police and Lonmin was professional, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Wednesday.
"We wouldn't have functioned properly without ears and eyes there," Maj-Gen Charl Annandale said during cross-examination by Lonmin lawyer Schalk Burger.
Annandale headed the police's tactical response team during last year's unrest at the platinum mine in Marikana, North West.
He told the commission the two parties exchanged information during the unrest and Lonmin provided police with CCTV footage.
"We wouldn't have been able to work properly without them [Lonmin] playing their important role," he said.
Had the company refused to provide the information, it could have been regarded as a criminal offence, said Annandale.
On Tuesday, Dali Mpofu, for the arrested and injured miners, described the relationship between police and Lonmin as "toxic".
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people killed in Lonmin's wage-related unrest last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
The public hearings are being held in Rustenburg.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/th/jk
Date : 15 May 2013 11:59
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Lonmin was unable to negotiate with strikers
It was not safe for Lonmin officials to approach striking miners gathered on a hill in Marikana last year, the Farlam Commission heard on Wednesday.
"It was unrealistic for Lonmin to be expected to go there... It was an unprotected, illegal strike and the strikers were defying a court order," Lonmin lawyer Schalk Burger said.
Striking mineworkers wanted wages of R12,500 a month, without any explanation of how they reached that amount, said Burger.
"There was also an existing wage agreement which was to [be kept in place] until October 2013.
"They had already killed security guards and stolen their firearms."
It was believed the stolen weapons were at the hill where the miners were gathered, Burger said.
The wage impasse culminated in a clash between police and striking miners, during which 34 workers were shot dead on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in strike-related violence the week before.
Burger made his remarks while cross-examining Maj-Gen Charl Annandale, who headed the police tactical response team during the unrest.
Annandale agreed it was not safe for Lonmin officials to go to the hill.
"Lonmin said there were methods to address grievances that should have been followed... They said they wouldn't go to the koppie, but wanted to sit around a table for discussions," said Annandale.
"I respected their decision."
The commission is holding public hearings in Rustenburg as part of its inquiry into the violence.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/th/jk
Date : 15 May 2013 12:25
It was not safe for Lonmin officials to approach striking miners gathered on a hill in Marikana last year, the Farlam Commission heard on Wednesday.
"It was unrealistic for Lonmin to be expected to go there... It was an unprotected, illegal strike and the strikers were defying a court order," Lonmin lawyer Schalk Burger said.
Striking mineworkers wanted wages of R12,500 a month, without any explanation of how they reached that amount, said Burger.
"There was also an existing wage agreement which was to [be kept in place] until October 2013.
"They had already killed security guards and stolen their firearms."
It was believed the stolen weapons were at the hill where the miners were gathered, Burger said.
The wage impasse culminated in a clash between police and striking miners, during which 34 workers were shot dead on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in strike-related violence the week before.
Burger made his remarks while cross-examining Maj-Gen Charl Annandale, who headed the police tactical response team during the unrest.
Annandale agreed it was not safe for Lonmin officials to go to the hill.
"Lonmin said there were methods to address grievances that should have been followed... They said they wouldn't go to the koppie, but wanted to sit around a table for discussions," said Annandale.
"I respected their decision."
The commission is holding public hearings in Rustenburg as part of its inquiry into the violence.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/th/jk
Date : 15 May 2013 12:25
Our Deputy President Cyril Rhamaphosa, who btw is the founder of NUM and was also a non exec Director of Lonmin during the shootings, had this to say about NUM and Rustenburg earlier this month, as Deputy President.
(leaving out his comments last year calling for action just before the police shot all those AMCU workers)
War talk?? Make up your own minds.
This all just before a bunch of AMCU guys were murdered, which has now resulted in another strike.
AMCU's non association or undeclared association with the tripartite alliance is what is at play here and Cyril makes it clear where the ANC's loyalties lie, (NUM, i.e Cosatu), and not AMCU.
AMCU sees itself as largely apolitical and non communist. ANC wont stand for any of that.
AMCU form part of NACTU (National Council of Trade Unions)
from their website)
ANC won't have any of that, its coming up to an election!
It was all fine till they became the majority in the area.
This is all about votes at the end of the day imho.
(leaving out his comments last year calling for action just before the police shot all those AMCU workers)
http://ewn.co.za/2013/05/02/Ramaphosa-says-Rustenburg-belongs-to-NUM
War talk?? Make up your own minds.
This all just before a bunch of AMCU guys were murdered, which has now resulted in another strike.
AMCU's non association or undeclared association with the tripartite alliance is what is at play here and Cyril makes it clear where the ANC's loyalties lie, (NUM, i.e Cosatu), and not AMCU.
AMCU sees itself as largely apolitical and non communist. ANC wont stand for any of that.
AMCU form part of NACTU (National Council of Trade Unions)
from their website)
http://www.nactu.org.za/
ANC won't have any of that, its coming up to an election!
It was all fine till they became the majority in the area.
This is all about votes at the end of the day imho.
Last edited:
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Death threats in Marikana
Death threats were hurled at a police videographer in Marikana on Wednesday by striking mineworkers, the Farlam Commission was told.
"I was informed... that one of our videographers was threatened with death at Marikana today," said Maj-Gen Charl Annandale.
Annandale headed the police tactical response team during the wage-related unrest at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine last year.
He was under cross-examination at the public hearings investigating the incidents that led to the deaths of 44 people during the unrest.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Fresh unrest erupted at the mine this week with Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members demanding that the offices belonging to rival union -- the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) -- be shut down.
On Tuesday, thousands of mineworkers, many wielding sticks and umbrellas, protested at the mine.
The protest came shortly after the murder of local Amcu organiser Mawethu Steven, also known as Steve Khululekile, who was shot dead in Marikana at the weekend.
Steven was due to testify at the commission, sitting in Rustenburg. He is one of several witnesses who have been killed in recent months.
The commission is chaired by retired Judge Ian Farlam.
Source : Sapa /nsm/dd/jk
Date : 15 May 2013 13:07
Death threats were hurled at a police videographer in Marikana on Wednesday by striking mineworkers, the Farlam Commission was told.
"I was informed... that one of our videographers was threatened with death at Marikana today," said Maj-Gen Charl Annandale.
Annandale headed the police tactical response team during the wage-related unrest at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine last year.
He was under cross-examination at the public hearings investigating the incidents that led to the deaths of 44 people during the unrest.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Fresh unrest erupted at the mine this week with Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members demanding that the offices belonging to rival union -- the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) -- be shut down.
On Tuesday, thousands of mineworkers, many wielding sticks and umbrellas, protested at the mine.
The protest came shortly after the murder of local Amcu organiser Mawethu Steven, also known as Steve Khululekile, who was shot dead in Marikana at the weekend.
Steven was due to testify at the commission, sitting in Rustenburg. He is one of several witnesses who have been killed in recent months.
The commission is chaired by retired Judge Ian Farlam.
Source : Sapa /nsm/dd/jk
Date : 15 May 2013 13:07
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Shots fired at Marikana Meeting
Shots were fired inside the Wonderkop Stadium, in Marikana, on Wednesday, while striking miners were gathering for a meeting.
It was not clear who fired the shots and whether anyone was wounded. Six gunshots were heard while workers were filing into the stadium.
Dressed in green, union T-shirts and carrying knobkerries and sticks, the strikers sang as they entered the stadium.
It was expected that Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union president Joseph Mathunjwa would ask them to end their strike at Lonmin's platinum mines in North West.
Workers downed tools on Tuesday, demanding the immediate closure of the National Union of Mineworkers' offices at Lonmin.
Source : Sapa /mm/hdw/th/clh
Date : 15 May 2013 13:37
Shots were fired inside the Wonderkop Stadium, in Marikana, on Wednesday, while striking miners were gathering for a meeting.
It was not clear who fired the shots and whether anyone was wounded. Six gunshots were heard while workers were filing into the stadium.
Dressed in green, union T-shirts and carrying knobkerries and sticks, the strikers sang as they entered the stadium.
It was expected that Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union president Joseph Mathunjwa would ask them to end their strike at Lonmin's platinum mines in North West.
Workers downed tools on Tuesday, demanding the immediate closure of the National Union of Mineworkers' offices at Lonmin.
Source : Sapa /mm/hdw/th/clh
Date : 15 May 2013 13:37
marine1
Honorary Master
Lets see what happens now when things escalate again, are the people supporting the miners going to call the SAPS?
I hope they do and the cops say sorry we are not getting involved.
I hope they do and the cops say sorry we are not getting involved.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Strikers want NUM out
The wildcat strike at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana will continue until workers' demands are met, a worker said on Wednesday.
"Even [if] it means we are not paid, the strike will continue until [the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)] is out," said Sipho Jele.
"If NUM leaves in July, we are prepared to go without pay until they go."
He was one of the workers who have downed tools to demand the immediate closure of NUM offices at all Lonmin shafts.
"They are no longer a majority union; they must leave," he said.
Jele said workers were also angry about the death of Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) North West regional organiser Mawethu Steven.
Steven was shot dead in Photsaneng on Saturday.
Twin brothers Ayanda and Andile Menzi were shot dead in their shack in Nkaneng, Marikana, also on Saturday. One of them was an NUM shop steward.
Lonmin said it was conducting talks with representatives of the unions organising at Lonmin.
Spokeswoman Sue Vey said Amcu and NUM had indicated that they did not call the strike.
She told reporters that notice had been given to the NUM to vacate the offices in July.
In a list of demands, Amcu said it wanted NUM members to be arrested for carrying weapons on the mine's premises.
Vey said the company did not permit the carrying of firearms.
"Anyone found guilty of this violation of company policy will be reported to the police and face disciplinary action."
Last year 44 people were killed during a wage-related strike at Marikana. They included 34 people shot dead by the police on August 16, and 10 people -- including two policemen and two security guards -- killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /mm/jk/clh/dd
Date : 15 May 2013 14:24
The wildcat strike at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana will continue until workers' demands are met, a worker said on Wednesday.
"Even [if] it means we are not paid, the strike will continue until [the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)] is out," said Sipho Jele.
"If NUM leaves in July, we are prepared to go without pay until they go."
He was one of the workers who have downed tools to demand the immediate closure of NUM offices at all Lonmin shafts.
"They are no longer a majority union; they must leave," he said.
Jele said workers were also angry about the death of Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) North West regional organiser Mawethu Steven.
Steven was shot dead in Photsaneng on Saturday.
Twin brothers Ayanda and Andile Menzi were shot dead in their shack in Nkaneng, Marikana, also on Saturday. One of them was an NUM shop steward.
Lonmin said it was conducting talks with representatives of the unions organising at Lonmin.
Spokeswoman Sue Vey said Amcu and NUM had indicated that they did not call the strike.
She told reporters that notice had been given to the NUM to vacate the offices in July.
In a list of demands, Amcu said it wanted NUM members to be arrested for carrying weapons on the mine's premises.
Vey said the company did not permit the carrying of firearms.
"Anyone found guilty of this violation of company policy will be reported to the police and face disciplinary action."
Last year 44 people were killed during a wage-related strike at Marikana. They included 34 people shot dead by the police on August 16, and 10 people -- including two policemen and two security guards -- killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /mm/jk/clh/dd
Date : 15 May 2013 14:24
Albereth
Honorary Master
Get rid of both unions and bring in the machines.
marine1
Honorary Master
Agreed, and then mechanize the whole bloody country.
Then we will see what the unions and the workers have to say
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Parliament not doing enough about Marikana: DA
Parliament had not done enough to address ongoing problems at Lonmin in Marikana, North West, the DA said on Wednesday.
"Parliament has done little and the underlying causes for the growing tensions remain unaddressed. The current crisis must prompt Parliament into action," said Democratic Alliance shadow minister of labour, Sej Motau.
He said the DA had petitioned chairpersons of the relevant portfolio committees in Parliament to call an urgent joint meeting, to consider tensions in South Africa's mining industry.
The party called for a review of legislation pertaining to migrant labour in the mining sector, he said.
"Parliament has done little on these requests. We will therefore once again be calling for the establishment of the proposed joint committee as a matter of urgency."
On Tuesday, workers associated with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) went on strike, demanding that the National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) offices at the mine be closed.
Operations at the mine remained shut on Wednesday.
Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana was at the centre of a wildcat strike in the platinum belt last year. In August 44 people were killed -- 34 of them at the hands of the police -- in strike-related action.
The Farlam Commission of Inquiry is holding public hearings in Rustenburg as part of its probe into the violence.
Source : Sapa /gm/dd/th
Date : 15 May 2013 15:44
Parliament had not done enough to address ongoing problems at Lonmin in Marikana, North West, the DA said on Wednesday.
"Parliament has done little and the underlying causes for the growing tensions remain unaddressed. The current crisis must prompt Parliament into action," said Democratic Alliance shadow minister of labour, Sej Motau.
He said the DA had petitioned chairpersons of the relevant portfolio committees in Parliament to call an urgent joint meeting, to consider tensions in South Africa's mining industry.
The party called for a review of legislation pertaining to migrant labour in the mining sector, he said.
"Parliament has done little on these requests. We will therefore once again be calling for the establishment of the proposed joint committee as a matter of urgency."
On Tuesday, workers associated with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) went on strike, demanding that the National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) offices at the mine be closed.
Operations at the mine remained shut on Wednesday.
Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana was at the centre of a wildcat strike in the platinum belt last year. In August 44 people were killed -- 34 of them at the hands of the police -- in strike-related action.
The Farlam Commission of Inquiry is holding public hearings in Rustenburg as part of its probe into the violence.
Source : Sapa /gm/dd/th
Date : 15 May 2013 15:44
Mila
Honorary Master
Ban all unions.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Strikers directed their anger at the police
Striking Lonmin mineworkers directed their anger at police officers during last year's wage-related unrest, the Farlam Commission was told on Wednesday.
"When the group realised their demands of R12,500 [a month] would not be met, they started exerting more pressure on the employer and directed their anger at police," Maj-Gen Charl Annandale said.
Annandale, who headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest, was under cross-examination at the commission.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during wage-related unrest at Lonmin's operations in August.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana, North West, on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in strike-related violence the preceding week.
Annandale was responding to questions from Lonmin lawyer, Schalk Burger, who asked what went wrong at Marikana.
Annandale said among other things, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union took workers' demands for a higher wage as an opportunity to gain members.
"Not only had NUM [National Union of Mineworkers] started losing members, but there was conflict between the unions," he said.
Nokukhanya Jele, for the SA Human Rights Commission, asked Annandale about the crowd management training for senior police officers who led the operation.
Jele pointed out that Annandale had undergone four courses on crowd management in his years as a police officer. Despite this Annandale had said he was not an expert in crowd management.
According to Jele there was no indication in documents handed in by the SA Police Service that provincial police commissioner, Luzuko Mbombo, had ever had any crowd control training.
"Mbombo's history shows she has taken no training in public policing or crowd management," said Jele.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/dd/th
Date : 15 May 2013 15:59
Striking Lonmin mineworkers directed their anger at police officers during last year's wage-related unrest, the Farlam Commission was told on Wednesday.
"When the group realised their demands of R12,500 [a month] would not be met, they started exerting more pressure on the employer and directed their anger at police," Maj-Gen Charl Annandale said.
Annandale, who headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest, was under cross-examination at the commission.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during wage-related unrest at Lonmin's operations in August.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana, North West, on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in strike-related violence the preceding week.
Annandale was responding to questions from Lonmin lawyer, Schalk Burger, who asked what went wrong at Marikana.
Annandale said among other things, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union took workers' demands for a higher wage as an opportunity to gain members.
"Not only had NUM [National Union of Mineworkers] started losing members, but there was conflict between the unions," he said.
Nokukhanya Jele, for the SA Human Rights Commission, asked Annandale about the crowd management training for senior police officers who led the operation.
Jele pointed out that Annandale had undergone four courses on crowd management in his years as a police officer. Despite this Annandale had said he was not an expert in crowd management.
According to Jele there was no indication in documents handed in by the SA Police Service that provincial police commissioner, Luzuko Mbombo, had ever had any crowd control training.
"Mbombo's history shows she has taken no training in public policing or crowd management," said Jele.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/dd/th
Date : 15 May 2013 15:59
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Lonmin miners return to work
Striking workers at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana in the North West resolved to return to work immediately on Wednesday.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) president Joseph Mathunjwa held a meeting with the workers and told them to return to work.
"There are channels to be followed... go back to work so that your enemies will not take advantage of this situation," Mathunjwa told the workers gathered at nearby Wonderkop stadium.
Miners would start reporting for work for the 6pm shift on Wenesday night, he said.
Workers associated with Amcu downed tools on Tuesday, demanding the immediate closure of the National Union of Mineworkers' offices at Lonmin.
Mathunjwa said there was a case at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on the dispute over the recognition of Amcu as majority union at Lonmin.
He said: "I am going to the CCMA tomorrow [Thursday] where a final decision will be made as to who is the boss at Lonmin."
As much as workers were angered by the murder of the union's North West regional organiser Mawethu Steven, they should not "make his death in vain.
"We loved Steven. He fought for our rights. Let's go back [to work] to honour him."
Mathunjwa said Amcu leaders were being hunted down "like dogs."
He urged workers to not give in to any threats or intimidation.
"Do not let NUM confuse you... do not allow them to be a stumbling block on your way, our destination cannot be determined by individuals."
He told the cheering workers even if he could be killed "the spirit will live to take Amcu forward".
"No amount of fear will shake me... my destiny will never be determined by individuals; only God will determine my destination."
He warned the workers that the road ahead would be difficult and they "needed to be brave to withstand the challenges".
The workers would gather at Karee stadium on Thursday for a memorial service for Steven.
They would also receive feedback from negotiations at the CCMA.
Last year, 44 people were killed during a wage-related strike at Marikana.
They included 34 people shot dead by the police on August 16, and 10 people -- including two policemen and two security guards -- killed the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /mm/hdw/dd/ks
Date : 15 May 2013 16:17
Striking workers at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana in the North West resolved to return to work immediately on Wednesday.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) president Joseph Mathunjwa held a meeting with the workers and told them to return to work.
"There are channels to be followed... go back to work so that your enemies will not take advantage of this situation," Mathunjwa told the workers gathered at nearby Wonderkop stadium.
Miners would start reporting for work for the 6pm shift on Wenesday night, he said.
Workers associated with Amcu downed tools on Tuesday, demanding the immediate closure of the National Union of Mineworkers' offices at Lonmin.
Mathunjwa said there was a case at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on the dispute over the recognition of Amcu as majority union at Lonmin.
He said: "I am going to the CCMA tomorrow [Thursday] where a final decision will be made as to who is the boss at Lonmin."
As much as workers were angered by the murder of the union's North West regional organiser Mawethu Steven, they should not "make his death in vain.
"We loved Steven. He fought for our rights. Let's go back [to work] to honour him."
Mathunjwa said Amcu leaders were being hunted down "like dogs."
He urged workers to not give in to any threats or intimidation.
"Do not let NUM confuse you... do not allow them to be a stumbling block on your way, our destination cannot be determined by individuals."
He told the cheering workers even if he could be killed "the spirit will live to take Amcu forward".
"No amount of fear will shake me... my destiny will never be determined by individuals; only God will determine my destination."
He warned the workers that the road ahead would be difficult and they "needed to be brave to withstand the challenges".
The workers would gather at Karee stadium on Thursday for a memorial service for Steven.
They would also receive feedback from negotiations at the CCMA.
Last year, 44 people were killed during a wage-related strike at Marikana.
They included 34 people shot dead by the police on August 16, and 10 people -- including two policemen and two security guards -- killed the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /mm/hdw/dd/ks
Date : 15 May 2013 16:17
Why have Lonmin failed to recognise AMCU as the majority union and as such failed to afford them the prescribed rights and facilities that come with that?
Why are NUM still occupying offices provided by Lonmin as though they have (which they don't) a 50% +1 majority on that site? ( as per current union agreement , stipulated by NUM themselves?)
Why are NUM still occupying offices provided by Lonmin as though they have (which they don't) a 50% +1 majority on that site? ( as per current union agreement , stipulated by NUM themselves?)
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Marikana Protestors Aimed to Provoke commission hears
Striking mineworkers taunted police officers who were still in Marikana in the days after the August 16 shooting, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Thursday.
It watched a video made two days after police shot dead 34 strikers, showing Brigadier Adriaan Calitz briefing scores of policemen in Marikana, North West.
Calitz, who heads the North West operational response service, tells them about protesters' plans to provoke them, and that the protesters have invited the media to see how the police have treated them.
On Thursday, Maj-Gen Charl Annandale told the commission, sitting at the Rustenburg Civic Centre, that the police had five video cameras at the scene of the protests, and believed at the time that this would be sufficient.
"Usually we have one or two videos per [operation]," he said
Annandale headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest.
The commission was told that two of the cameras belonged to Lonmin platinum mine.
Annandale admitted that using Lonmin's cameras was not ideal.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the 34 deaths and those of 10 more people, including two policemen and two security guards, in the previous week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/th/clh/dd
Date : 16 May 2013 12:07
Striking mineworkers taunted police officers who were still in Marikana in the days after the August 16 shooting, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Thursday.
It watched a video made two days after police shot dead 34 strikers, showing Brigadier Adriaan Calitz briefing scores of policemen in Marikana, North West.
Calitz, who heads the North West operational response service, tells them about protesters' plans to provoke them, and that the protesters have invited the media to see how the police have treated them.
On Thursday, Maj-Gen Charl Annandale told the commission, sitting at the Rustenburg Civic Centre, that the police had five video cameras at the scene of the protests, and believed at the time that this would be sufficient.
"Usually we have one or two videos per [operation]," he said
Annandale headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest.
The commission was told that two of the cameras belonged to Lonmin platinum mine.
Annandale admitted that using Lonmin's cameras was not ideal.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the 34 deaths and those of 10 more people, including two policemen and two security guards, in the previous week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/th/clh/dd
Date : 16 May 2013 12:07
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Top Cop was needed for Marikana
Questions were raised as to why a top public order police (Pop) official was not appointed to oversee the operational plan in Marikana, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Tuesday.
Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families of the deceased Lonmin miners, said Maj-Gen Charl Annandale failed to summon anyone who headed the Pop unit to oversee the plan to disperse striking Lonmin miners.
Annandale headed the police's tactical response team during the wage-related unrest at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana in August.
He appointed Lt-Col Duncan Scott to co-ordinate the police's dispersal and disarming plan for Marikana. Scott was part of the special task force. Annandale said Scott was a favourable candidate.
"It was important to have someone with experience in the various units. That would have made planning easier. But there a number of experienced Pop heads present there... including Brigadier Calitz and Merafe."
The commission, sitting in Rustenburg, heard that Scott had expertise in tactical response, national intervention and the special task force.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during wage-related unrest in Marikana last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/th/dd
Date : 21 May 2013 12:17
Questions were raised as to why a top public order police (Pop) official was not appointed to oversee the operational plan in Marikana, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Tuesday.
Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families of the deceased Lonmin miners, said Maj-Gen Charl Annandale failed to summon anyone who headed the Pop unit to oversee the plan to disperse striking Lonmin miners.
Annandale headed the police's tactical response team during the wage-related unrest at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana in August.
He appointed Lt-Col Duncan Scott to co-ordinate the police's dispersal and disarming plan for Marikana. Scott was part of the special task force. Annandale said Scott was a favourable candidate.
"It was important to have someone with experience in the various units. That would have made planning easier. But there a number of experienced Pop heads present there... including Brigadier Calitz and Merafe."
The commission, sitting in Rustenburg, heard that Scott had expertise in tactical response, national intervention and the special task force.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during wage-related unrest in Marikana last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/th/dd
Date : 21 May 2013 12:17
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Mariakana Families walk out on cop
Families of miners shot dead by police in Marikana last year walked out of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, in Rustenburg, on Wednesday when a senior police officer conveyed his condolences to them.
Maj-Gen Charl Annandale, who headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest, was testifying about the events at Marikana.
Speaking about the role of the police in the violent unrest, he asked if he could address the relatives of the deceased.
Annandale told the commission he was not sure if he would ever get a chance to address them again.
"My heart goes out to each and every family of anyone who lost their lives... I'm aware of the gap that this leaves in everyday lives," he said.
Some of the family members broke down while Annandale was speaking. Almost all of them left the auditorium.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members also got up and left the proceedings.
"My wife always refers to this as a ripple effect... I know that this is so much broader than a lover missing a loved one," Annandale said.
"I know there were breadwinners, fathers, sons, brothers and also husbands."
He told the commission the lives of police officials were also deeply affected by the incident.
Dali Mpofu, for the injured and arrested miners, and Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families of the deceased, noted the families' grief.
They agreed that the commission was not the appropriate platform for Annandale to have delivered his condolences, and suggested that this should have happened in a private meeting.
They said the commission saw a similar reaction when national police commissioner Riah Phiyega delivered her condolences to the families.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during the wage-related unrest in Marikana last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/clh/dd
Date : 22 May 2013 12:02
Families of miners shot dead by police in Marikana last year walked out of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, in Rustenburg, on Wednesday when a senior police officer conveyed his condolences to them.
Maj-Gen Charl Annandale, who headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest, was testifying about the events at Marikana.
Speaking about the role of the police in the violent unrest, he asked if he could address the relatives of the deceased.
Annandale told the commission he was not sure if he would ever get a chance to address them again.
"My heart goes out to each and every family of anyone who lost their lives... I'm aware of the gap that this leaves in everyday lives," he said.
Some of the family members broke down while Annandale was speaking. Almost all of them left the auditorium.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members also got up and left the proceedings.
"My wife always refers to this as a ripple effect... I know that this is so much broader than a lover missing a loved one," Annandale said.
"I know there were breadwinners, fathers, sons, brothers and also husbands."
He told the commission the lives of police officials were also deeply affected by the incident.
Dali Mpofu, for the injured and arrested miners, and Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families of the deceased, noted the families' grief.
They agreed that the commission was not the appropriate platform for Annandale to have delivered his condolences, and suggested that this should have happened in a private meeting.
They said the commission saw a similar reaction when national police commissioner Riah Phiyega delivered her condolences to the families.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during the wage-related unrest in Marikana last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/hdw/clh/dd
Date : 22 May 2013 12:02
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Cops were prepared to kill: Ntsezeba
The specialised police units deployed in Marikana during labour unrest were given the means to kill striking miners, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Wednesday.
Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families of the dead miners, said the special task force, the national intervention unit and tactical response team were armed with live ammunition only when they embarked on the operation to disperse Lonmin platinum workers.
Ntsebeza said it would be submitted that the police knew the specialised units would use the live ammunition, as they had been trained to do so.
He said the families of the victims would not accept that the killings were unplanned.
"The families of the deceased mineworkers are not in a position to accept that the deaths... [were] something unexpected," he said.
Maj-Gen Charl Annandale, who headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest, denied that the use of live ammunition was part of the police's plan.
Ntsebeza concluded his cross-examination.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during the wage-related unrest last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/th/clh/dd
Date : 22 May 2013 14:33
The specialised police units deployed in Marikana during labour unrest were given the means to kill striking miners, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Wednesday.
Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families of the dead miners, said the special task force, the national intervention unit and tactical response team were armed with live ammunition only when they embarked on the operation to disperse Lonmin platinum workers.
Ntsebeza said it would be submitted that the police knew the specialised units would use the live ammunition, as they had been trained to do so.
He said the families of the victims would not accept that the killings were unplanned.
"The families of the deceased mineworkers are not in a position to accept that the deaths... [were] something unexpected," he said.
Maj-Gen Charl Annandale, who headed the police's tactical response team during the unrest, denied that the use of live ammunition was part of the police's plan.
Ntsebeza concluded his cross-examination.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during the wage-related unrest last year.
Police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers in Marikana on August 16. Ten people, including two police officers, were killed in the preceding week.
Source : Sapa /nsm/th/clh/dd
Date : 22 May 2013 14:33