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The fight for justice for the victims and
their families - and the fight to challenge
state impunity - continues today
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Thursday Afternoon
16 August 2012
Police open fire
Filmmaker Rehad Desai had been filming
the strikers and was at the Lonmin mine
at the time of the massacre. Bertha
supported the production, distribution
and outreach campaign for his
documentary Miners Shot Down
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[The film] helped people understand the challenges we face in South Africa and the very complex and sometimes contradictory setting we operate in as human rights lawyers.”
Bertha Justice Fellow,
Legal Resources Centre
in 19 countries
in 13 countries including Namibia, Zimbabwe,
Russia, and the Philippines
across 4 cinemas in South Africa
plus 4 Community TV channels in South Africa
including 5 jury awards
Over the first 3 months:
of Justice Now for Marikana Strikers
(Marikana Support Campaign)
Unlike news reports, where one depends on the interpretation of someone else, the viewer watches the harrowing events unfold in front of their very own eyes.”
“Miners Shot Down;” a haunting
and emotional documentary
Africa Is a Country
30 May 2014
Meticulously constructed, Miners Shot Down gives us a narrative lacking from news coverage.”
MOVIE REVIEW: Miners Shot Down
IOL Beta
30 May 2014
One wistful miner said to me, ‘Everyone must see this film.’”
South Africa: Everyone Must See This Film
All Africa
4 March 2014
A real horror movie.”
Yolisa Mkele
Times Live
16 May 2014
Rehad Desai's documentary brings the miners to the fore with a terrible poignancy and an equal measure of
urgency. ”
Movie Review: Miners Shot Down: Devastating Cinema
News24
3 June 2014
Legal Resources Centre, who has carried out
an independent investigation into the police
shootings and who represented victims
and their families.
Centre for Applied Legal Studies, who has
filed a legal complaint against the World Bank's
investment in the mining company responsible
for the massacre.
Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa,
who provided support for families of the victims.
The SAHRC and CALS considers that there is a real risk of unfairness, and a real risk that the purpose of the commission will be compromised, if adequate legal representation is not afforded to the injured and arrested miners of Marikana.”
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi
We simply could not have continued with our
work in the Marikana Commission without
support from Bertha. SERI, the Commission
itself, and the possibility that the
Commission will actually make a difference
are all attributable in some measure, to
Bertha coming in and making its contribution
when it did.”
Stuart Wilson, SERI
Sitelega Meric Gadlela (50) was from Dvokolwako in Swaziland. He began working for Lonmin in 1989 and was with the company for 23 years. Mr Gadlela was killed at scene 2 after being shot twice in the back. He left behind his mother, wife and 11 children, including 5 who are still in school.
Thembinkosi Gwelani (27) was from Makhwaleni, Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. On 16 August he was not employed at Lonmin but had gone to take food to his cousin, Musa Gwelani, who was part of the strike. Thembinkosi was shot in the back of the head by police at scene 1. He left behind 2 brothers and 2 sisters, as well as his young niece and nephew.
Patrick Akhona Jijase (26) was from Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in July 2012, one month before the massacre. On 16 August 2012 Patrick was killed at scene 1, after being shot in the head and forearm by the police. He left behind his mother, father, brother, two sisters and nephew, who all depended on him financially.
Semi Jokanisi (29) was from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. On 13 August 2012 Semi was killed after being shot twice by the police, once in the abdomen and once in the armpit. He supported his five young children, as well as assisted his father to support his seven siblings, nephew and mother. His death has had a deep impact on his mother. His father is also a miner working for Lonmin.
John Kutlwano Legingoane (24) had worked at Lonmin for 5 years. On 16 August 2012 John was shot twice in the neck and head. The bullets were fired from an R4 or R5 rifle. John's grandfather, Shadrack Ledingoane, first became aware of his grandson's death when he came across a photograph of his grandson's body published in the Daily Sun newspaper on 17 August 2012. He left behind his grandfather, his young siblings and a young daughter, Tsenolo (who was 2 years old at the time of her father's death). He financially supported his whole family.
Jackson Lehupa (48) was from Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2007. On 16 August 2012 Mr Lehupa was killed at scene 1, after being shot 11 times in his back, shoulder, buttock, groin, thighs, calves and feet. He was the breadwinner in his family and left behind his wife and six children. He also supported extended family members, including three of his brother's and three of his sister's children.
Janeveke Raphael Liau (47) was from Likolobeng Ha Monyane, Maseru in Lesotho. He started working for Lonmin in 2003. On 16 August 2012 Mr Liau was killed at scene 2 after being shot once in the chest by the police. He left behind his wife and four young children, whom he supported financially. He also supported his late brother's wife and children.
Mafolisi Mabiya (28) was from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape. He started working for Lonmin in 2007. On 16 August 2012 Mafolisi was killed at scene 2 after being shot in the back of his head by the police. He left behind his young wife and two children, including a baby who was born after he was killed. He was also financially supporting his mother and niece at the time of his death.
Julius Tokoti Mangcotywa (61) was from Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2008. On 16 August 2012 he was killed at scene 2 after being shot twice in the chest by the police. He was the sole breadwinner in the family and left behind his wife, five adult children, 3 young children and three grandchildren.
Thembelakhe Mati (50) was from Ntabankhulu in the Eastern Cape. On 13 August 2012 Mr Mati was killed after he was shot in the thigh. Initially the state pathologist claimed that he was stabbed; however it emerged that he died from a gunshot wound, probably from a ricocheted bullet. He was the only employed person in the family and left behind his wife and six children, as well as his mother and three sisters.
Anele Mdizeni (29) was from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He started working for Lonmin in 2005. On 16 August 2012 he was killed at scene 2 after being shot in the hip by the police. Anele left behind his pregnant wife and two young children. According to his wife, Unathi Mdizeni, "Anele was an easy going person who loved his work and his family. He never liked violence. He always wanted to be successful one day and wanted a better life for his children."
Bongani Mdze (28) was from Jabavu, Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2005. He was the first person in his family to work at the mines. On 16 August 2012 Bongani was shot from behind 3 times by the police at scene 1 – in the arm, lower leg and the back of his head (by pellets) – and bled to death. He could have survived had the SAPS allowed emergency personnel to treat him at the scene. He left behind his wife and a young child. He was also financially supporting his sister when he was killed.
Makhosandile Mkhonjwa (28) was from Mbizana in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2008. On 16 August 2012 he was killed at scene 2 after being shot in the forearm by the police. He was the sole breadwinner in the family and left behind a wife and two young children.
Telang Mohai (37) was from Lithabaneng, Maseru in Lesotho. He had been working for Lonmin since 2003. Telang died after he was shot twice in the back at scene 2. One of the bullets travelled downwards, which means he was either shot from above or while lying down. He was the sole breadwinner in his family and left behind his wife and three young children.
Khanare Elias Monesa (36) was from Butha Buthe in Lesotho. He started working in the mines in 1999. After working at two previous mines, he started working at Lonmin. On 16 August 2012, Khanare was killed at scene 1 after he was shot by the police 9 times – in the head, chest, legs, arm, shoulder, groin and buttock. He left behind his wife and a brother, who were both financially dependent on him. His wife was 9 months pregnant at the time of his death. Upon hearing of his death she fell ill and was hospitalised. couple of days after being born and then passed away.
Thabiso Mosebetsane (49) was from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. He started working at Lonmin in 2008 and lived in Nkaneng informal settlement. He left behind his wife and 3 children. He was also financially supporting his two brothers and his elderly mother. On 16 August 2012 Mr Mosebetsane was killed at scene 2 after being shot twice in the head.
Thobile Mpumza (26) was from Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2009. He was dismissed in May 2011 after taking part in an unprotected strike and was supporting the miners in the 2012 strike. On 16 August 2012 Thobile was killed at scene 2. He was shot 13 times by the police, including in the chest, stomach (3 times), armpit, buttock, thighs (6 times) and forearm. Thoibile was an orphan. He left behind his young daughter, three sisters, a younger brother, nieces and nephews. He was financially responsible for his daughter, his sister, a niece and four nephews.
Babalo Mtshazi (26) was from Lebode in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2006. On 16 August 2012 Babalo was killed at scene 1 after he was shot in the head by police. He left behind two young children, his mother and three siblings whom he financially supported.
Michael Ngweyi (39) was from Umtata in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2009. On 16 August 2012 Michael was killed at scene 1 after being shot twice, once in his chest and once in his right arm. He was the sole breadwinner in his family and left behind his wife and two young sons. He supported his sister's four children.
Mphumzeni Ngxande (38) was from Lujizweni, Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape. He started working for Lonmin in 2008 and lived with his wife at the Nkaneng informal settlement. On 16 August 2012 Mphumzeni was killed at scene 2 after the police shot him in his chest and left thigh. He left behind his wife and two children whom he supported financially.
Ntandazo Nokhamba (36) was from Lebode in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2006. On 16 August 2012 he was killed at scene 2 after being shot once in the back by the police. He was the breadwinner in his family and left behind his wife and 5 young children.
Mgcineni Noki (30), known as Mambush, was from Twalikhulu in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2009 and was a leader of the strike. On 16 August 2012 Mambush was killed at scene 1 after being shot 14 times by the police, including in his head, neck, legs, buttock, elbow, calf and thighs. He left behind his wife and five young children, as well as his sister and niece who also depended on him for financial support.
Bongani Nqongophele (31) was from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He had been working for Lonmin for a year when he was killed. On 16 August 2012 Bongani was killed at scene 1 after being shot once in the head. He was the sole breadwinner in the family and left behind his wife, young daughter, mother, sister and 8 nieces and nephews. He was paying school fees for two of his nieces.
Mongezeleli Ntenetya (34) was from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2000 when he was just 22 years old. On 16 August 2012 Mongezeleli was killed at scene 1 after being shot 6 times by the police, including in his head, back, elbow and foot. He left behind his wife and three young children, as well as his mother, sister and two nephews whom he supported financially.
Andries Ntsenyeho (42) was from Sasolburg in the Free State. He had worked for Lonmin for a year and was one of the leaders of the strike. On 16 August 2012 Mr Ntsenyeho died at scene 1 after being shot three times by the police, in the neck and in both thighs. He was the sole breadwinner in his family and left behind his wife and five children.
Molefi Osiel Ntsoele (40) was from Ha Tebese, Semonkong, Lesotho. He began working for Lonmin around 2007. On 16 August 2012 Mr Ntsoele was shot once in the back by the police at scene 2. He left behind his wife and 4 children, including 3 who are still attending school. He was also financially supporting his elderly mother and his mother-in-law.
Henry Mvuyisi Pato (35) was from Mbizana in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2011. On 16 August 2012 Mvuyisi was killed at scene 2 after being shot in the back and palm by the police. He was clearly trying to flee. He left behind his two young children and their mother, as well as his elderly parents and three siblings, all of whom he supported financially.
Motisaoitsile Van Wyk Sagalala (60) was from Bophirima Setlagole in the Retlong Municipal District of the North West. On 16 August 2012 Mr Sagalala was shot at scene 2 twice by the police – once in the chest and once in the upper arm. He left behind his two sons and his mother. He was the sole breadwinner for his family who were all financially dependent on him.
Motisaoitsile Van Wyk Sagalala (60) was from Bophirima Setlagole in the Retlong Municipal District of the North West. On 16 August 2012 Mr Sagalala was shot at scene 2 twice by the police – once in the chest and once in the upper arm. He left behind his two sons and his mother. He was the sole breadwinner for his family who were all financially dependent on him.
Pumzile Sokanyile (48) was from Mdumazulu Location, Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape. He started working for Lonmin in 2001. On 13 August 2012 Mr Sokanyile was killed after being shot in the head by the police. He left behind his wife and 5 children. He was also financially supporting his two brothers, his sister and his nephew. On hearing the news of his death, Mr Sokanyile's mother collapsed and died on her way to hospital.
Mzukisi Sompeta (37) was from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2006. On 16 August 2012 Mzukisi was killed at scene 1 after being shot twice in the shoulder by the police. Mzukisi was the breadwinner in his family and supported his mother, father, sister, two brothers, two nieces, nephew and young daughter. His father's health worsened after he went and identified Mzukisi's body in Marikana and he died two months later.
Thabiso Johannes Thelejane (55) was from Pabellong, Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in October 2011. On 16 August 2012 Mr Thelejane was killed at scene 2. He was shot 3 times by the police – twice in the back of his head and in his buttock. He left behind his wife, two children and a grandson. He was the sole breadwinner for his family who were all financially dependent on him. Because Mr Thelejane was employed by a labour broker, Lonmin refused to acknowledge responsibility for his death and would not provide support for his dependents' education.
Mphangeli Tukuza (41) was from Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2000. On 16 August 2012 Mr Tukuza was killed at scene 1 after being shot four times by the police, in his head, arm and knee. He left behind his two wives and 7 young children, including a 3 month old baby. He also financially supported his mother and father.
Nkosiyabo Xalabile (30) was from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin around 2004. On 16 August 2012 Nkosiyabo was killed at scene 2 after being shot in his thigh and buttock by the police. He was the sole breadwinner in the family and left behind his wife, mother, sister and two nieces. He had been married to his wife, Lilita Xalabile, for little over a month when he was killed. He had just returned to work after two weeks leave to prepare for the wedding, which took place on 7 July 2012.
Cebisile Yawa (24) was from Cala in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2007. On 16 August 2012 Cebisile was killed at scene 1 after being shot twice by the police on his back and his buttock. He was the sole breadwinner in his family and left behind his young daughter, parents and five siblings.
Bonginkosi Yona (32) was from MaQhashu, Ladyfere in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2010. On 16 August 2012 Bonginkosi was killed at scene 1 after being shot 3 times in the back by the police. He left behind his wife, two young children and brother, whom he supported financially. Bonginkosi's son was only 7 days old when he was killed.
Thobisile Zibambele (39) was from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. He started working for Lonmin in 2009. On 16 August 2012 Thobisile was killed at scene 1 after being shot twice by the police, in his shoulder and thigh. He was the sole breadwinner in the family and left behind his wife and 10 children, the majority of which are still at school.
On the whole, though, the report is a poorly written summary of some of the evidence the Commission managed to scrape together. That summary is clearly slanted towards power and the police. The truth is that the families of the deceased are left no wiser as to their loved one's deaths. That brute fact can only lead to the conclusion that the Commission has failed in its central task.”
Stuart Wilson, SERI
We wholeheartedly welcome this statement as a starting point for justice for the victims of Marikana. The prosecutions against the police are a real beginning but we believe it's inconceivable that Lonmin executives have not been held accountable on criminal charges as should be the case with the ministers who were advanced in the planning of this operation. We welcome it as a fine starting point but it's certainly not the end of the matter.”
Rehad Desai, Director of Miners Shot Down
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