The crosses were erected by the DA in November to honour those killed at Marikana.

The few crosses still standing at the cleansing ceremony in June are now strewn at the foot of the big koppie.

Wonderkop resident Bomi Ngakane said the DA did not talk to anyone in the community about erecting the crosses.

Andile Yawa, whose 24-year-old mineworker son Cebisile was among those killed, said the way in which the crosses were erected was disrespectful.

“In our culture, going to a place where people died without the permission of the families of the deceased shows lack of respect. Residents did right by removing the crosses,” he said.

Tiaan Kotze, DA spokesman in North West, said some families of the deceased from Nkaneng and Photsaneng had been part of the ceremony at which the crosses were erected.

But, he said, Wonderkop residents did not take part.

It is understood that Wonderkop residents will ask for an “official” memorial to be erected at the koppie.

For more http://www.timelive.co.za