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S. African president blames defects in police for Marikana tragedy

Xinhua, June 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Defects in police tactical plan were among the factors that led to the Marikana tragedy in which 44 people were killed during mining unrest in 2012, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.

Addressing the nation through the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Zuma said police strategy of encirclement and disarmament failed and replaced by a defective tactical option which was blamed for the killings of miners.

Zuma was releasing the long-delayed report of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry (MCI) into the tragedy.

The Marikana tragedy refers to the killings of 44 people during mining unrest in Marikana near Rustenburg, North West Province on Aug. 11 to 16 in 2012.

On 26 August 2012, Zuma appointed the MCI to investigate matters of public, national and international concern.

The entire nation was shocked as was the world, Zuma said, adding that no one expected this to happen in a free and democratic South Africa.

Police operation should not have taken place because of defects in the tactical plan, Zuma told the nation.

There was a complete lack of command and control in some instances, the president said.

Zuma said the South African Police Service (SAPS) should review training of members who use specialised equipment such as water cannons.

All police helicopters must be fitted with working cameras. All police officers must be trained in basic first aid, as recommended by the MCI, said Zuma.

The MCI recommends full investigation into police members involved in violent incidents, he said.

The commission also recommends Director of Public Prosecutions in North West to ascertain criminal liability on part of police members, and an inquiry into the fitness to hold office of National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega, according to Zuma.

"We should use this to build a more united society," Zuma said, adding that violence has no place in the country.

Zuma was releasing the MCI report about four months after the report was handed to him. He has faced criticism and was taken to court for delaying the release of the report. Endi