Johannesburg - Now that President Jacob Zuma has released the Marikana Report, are we any closer to the truth? Here's what we know now because of the report...
No politicians were harmed in the making of the Marikana Report
The Farlam Commission cleared Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, former police minister Nathi Mthethwa and former minister of mineral resources Susan Shabangu of any responsibility. Allegations against Ramaphosa in particular were groundless, the Marikana Report said.
It sucks to be Riah Phiyega right now
National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega faces an inquiry into her fitness to hold office. Because of the police’s general cluelessness on August 16, 2012, the buck stops with Phiyega, who had only been appointed two months earlier.
It’s worse being Zukiswa Mbombo
The North West provincial commissioner will be hauled out of retirement (after a month) to face an investigation into the conduct of all officers involved in the massacre. Before the massacre, Mbombo said: “We are ending the strike today.” Probably not the best choice of words, considering.
For three months, Zuma never showed Ramaphosa the report. Really?
Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday evening he would study the contents of the report and comment “in due course”. The report was handed to Zuma in March. *Ramaphosa side-eyes Zuma for days*.
“Tactical option” is code for “hail of bullets”
The first plan, to surround and disarm the miners, was replaced by the “tactical option” at about 3.40pm - which ultimately led to the deaths of the 34 men. “Tactical option” was already decided on the day before the massacre. Basically, the cops lied that it was a spur-of-the-moment decision taken when the situation escalated.
Side note: “Concomitant action” means nothing, according to the report.
Lonmin failed its workers and the community
The mining company insisted that non-striking workers report for duty, knowing it would endanger their lives. The company didn’t give a damn about housing its employees. It ignored social and labour plans.
Amcu and NUM are no angels
The rival unions failed to control their members. The NUM encouraged its workers to report for duty even though their lives were in danger.
IOL