According to reports, the families of the injured and arrested Marikana mineworkers have lodged a claim for R1 billion against those that they blame for the incident. This was announced during the commemoration of the killing of 44 people during the Mariknana Lonmin strike in 2012, 34 of whom were killed during a clash with police.
Advocate Dali Mpofu will be representing the families involved in their case against the state. Attorney Andries Nkome will also be representing those injured and arrested during the Marikana strike.
The initial claims that have been filed with the court are for 336 injured miners against the state. However, Mpofu has reportedly revealed that further claims will be filed before October.
The other cases that may also be filed include cases against former Lonmin directors in their personal capacities, as well as several criminal suits that may include cases against Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega and former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
NPA to challenge lawsuits
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has said that it will challenge the lawsuits that were filed against the state and government officials. According to reports, the miners in the lawsuit are demanding R3 million each.
A claim for damages has been laid against Lonmin and security company Protea Coin by the miners’ lawyers.
In addition to the various lawsuits that will be filed, Mpofu has also stated that the miners and their counsel want the Farlam Commission Inquiry into the Marikana killings to be reviewed.
A case of defamation against President Jacob Zuma may also be filed, according to a report, as he “has said time and again that the miners were killed because they were murderers,” revealed Mpofu.