Previously unseen video footage obtained by the Marikana Support Committee contradicts police’s statements about their role in the killings. The visuals show police drawing their pistols from their holsters before the alleged attack by miners on the scene.

The footage also shows miners walking relatively slowly, not charging or attacking the police as alleged. Citizens for Marikana believe police breached protocol by shooting the miners who were not about to attack them.

“The police narrative, media narrative at the time that the police acted in self-defence is not true and doesn’t stand up. It’s very clear from this footage that, that is a misnomer and a lie,” says Citizens for Marikana’s Rehad Desia.

Struggle Icon, Ronnie Kasrils says it will be interesting to hear government’s response to this new video.

“It will be very interesting to see what the commission makes of it, what our country makes of it, what our government makes of it, our president and the police commissioner who at the time said it was not the time to point fingers,” says Kasrils.

The footage was sent to the Marikana commission evidence leaders at the weekend.

“The evidence leading team, who are leading the cross examination, be it written format or recorded material, will then be in a position to be able to examine whatever information has been given to them as to whether it warrant being put before the commission,” says Marikana spokesperson, Tshepho Mahlangu.

Meanwhile, 270 miners arrested on that fatal day, 16th of August last year, will appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

The Marikana group has called for all charges against the arrested miners to be dropped.

Post by SABC News Online.
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