Twelve years after police killed 34 mineworkers during a strike at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana on 16 August 2012, no police officers have been prosecuted for the massacre, and more than 100 affected individuals remain without promised reparations, according to the Justice Department and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI).

Ongoing Lack Of Accountability For Police Actions

The Marikana massacre represents the deadliest use of force by South African security forces against civilians in post-apartheid South Africa. In June 2015, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry called for the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate the criminal responsibility of police officers involved. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate later identified 72 officers for prosecution in March 2017. Despite these steps, by August 2024, the Justice Department confirmed that no officers had faced prosecution and no convictions had been recorded in relation to the killings.

Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa, stated, “The tragedy of the Marikana killings is compounded by the shocking fact that no one responsible for the bloodshed has yet been held accountable.” Edward Molopi, Senior Communications and Advocacy Officer at SERI, added that all those accused have pleaded not guilty, with some already recused from proceedings.

Compensation Efforts And Unresolved Claims

Justice Minister Thembi Simelane announced in August 2024 that R352 million had been paid in compensation to Marikana massacre victims. However, the Justice Department and SERI confirmed that at least 129 people affected by the 2012 killings had not received reparations, with unresolved constitutional damages claims pending before the Gauteng High Court. Minister Simelane explained, “We’ve resolved most aspects of the Marikana matter, with the exception of the constitutional damages, which are currently under consideration by the Gauteng High Court.”

The lack of full compensation and the absence of police accountability continue to cause distress among survivors and families of victims, who have called for further state action to address both financial and legal aspects of the tragedy.

A court decision on the outstanding damages claims is expected to provide further clarity on the government’s obligations to those still awaiting reparations.