Hlokomelo Mabogale |
A case against police officers ,who are suspects in the murder of 5 mineworkers in Lonmin has been postponed to 19 October 2020 by the High Court in North West.
The provincial former Deputy Police Commissioner, General Mzondase Mpembe and his colleagues attended a trial case which started on 13 October. It relates to a tragedy that happened on 13 August 2012 whereby miners were killed during the strike for a better wage from employer at Lonmin in Marikana.
Henry Mamothame, NPA Regional Spokesperson said during the cross examination of the SAPS videographer, the defence team raised concerns of a video footage flighted on an SABC news bulletin on Tuesday, 13 October 2020, depicting some of the scenes that unfolded on the day of the incident. To this end, the defence team sought clarity on whether the state had other undisclosed video footage that it intends submitting as evidence during the trial.
The public broadcaster is issued with subpoena to provide videos taken during the tragedy.
“Such evidence was however not submitted, as the broadcaster indicated that the tape was overridden. The court then ordered the state to provide a copy of the subpoena to the defensedefence team.” Said the NPA.
Therefore, the talks between the state and the broadcaster’s legal team are in talks so that the footage can be submitted quickly. If the SABC will not do so by Monday, other key witnesses will be called.
