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Marikana massacre: A deadly blemish in South Africa’s history

The date 16 August marks 12 years since the deadly Marikana Massacre where 44 people were killed, 34 of whom were miners. Daily Maverick’s chief photographer Felix Dlangamandla was on site at Lonmin platinum mine during the protest action and clash with the South African Police Service.
Marikana massacre: A deadly blemish in South Africa’s history Marikana miners chant songs while gathered at the koppie outside Nkaneng informal settlement near the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg, demanding a wage increase. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Felix Dlangamandla
By Felix Dlangamandla
16 Aug 2024
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The names of the people who died during the protest action are; Thobile Mpumza; Thabiso Thelejane; Anele Mdizeni; Makhosandile Mkhonjwa; Julius Mancotywa; Janeveke Liau; Thabiso Mosebetsane; Mafolisi Mabiya; Ntandazo Nokamba; Fezile Saphendu; “Ngxande”; Sitelega Gadlela; Henry Pato; Micheal Ngweyi; Patrick Akhona Jijase; Bonginkosi Yona; Andries Msenyeno; Mzukisi Sompeta; Jackson Lehura; Mphumzeni Ngxande; Mpangeli Lukusa and Mongezeleli Ntenetya;Cebisile Yana; Mguneni Noki; Khawamare Elias Monesa; Bongani Ndongophele; John Ledingoane; Babalo Mtshazi; Thembinkosi Gwelani; Nkosiyabo Xalabile; Bongani Mdze; Teleng Mohai; Modisaotsile Sagalala; Molefi Ntsoele; Hassan Fundi (security guard); Frans Matlhomola Mabelane (security guard); Thapelo Eric Mabebe; Tembelakhe Mati; Hendrick Tsietsi Mohene (policeman); Sello Ronnie Lepaaka (policeman); Sandi Teyise; Mlanduli Hendry Saba; and Pumzile Sokanyile. DM

A group of leaders negotiate with the police at the koppie outside Nkaneng informal settlement. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A group of leaders negotiate with the police at the koppie outside Nkaneng informal settlement. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Mgcineni Noki (Mambush) leading miners in song at the koppie outside Nkaneng informal settlement. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Mgcineni Noki (Mambush) leads miners in song at the koppie outside Nkaneng informal settlement. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Miners demand a wage increase from their employers. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Miners demand a wage increase from their employers. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Miners crouching behind Police nyalas when the shooting started. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Miners crouching behind police Nyalas when the shooting started. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Police disarm Marikana mine workers after the shooting at the koppie. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Police disarm miners after the shooting at the koppie. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Miners fleeing while police fire live ammunition at the koppie outside nkaneng informal settlement near the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Miners flee while being shot at by the police. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Mgcineni"Mambush" Noki one of the leaders of mine workers gathered at the "Koppie" near Nkaneng informal settlement outside the Lonmin mine in north west Photo :Felix Dlangamandla
Mgcineni 'Mambush' Noki (left), one of the leaders of mine workers gathered at the koppie near Nkaneng informal settlement. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Moments before the south african police services members fire live ammunition at mine workers , mine workers demonstrate as they protest over wage demands outside the Nkageng informal settlement on August 16, 2012 in North West, South Africa. At least 10 people have died since the workers embarked on an illegal strike at Lonmins Marikana Platinum Mine, with the dispute heightened by conflicts between members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the newly formed newly formed Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union. The conflict escalated later in the day when police opened fire on protesting miners killing at least 30 people. (Photo :Felix Dlangamandla)
Just moments before the shooting started. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Moments before the south african police services members fire live ammunition at mine workers , mine workers demonstrate as they protest over wage demands outside the Nkageng informal settlement on August 16, 2012 in North West, South Africa. At least 10 people have died since the workers embarked on an illegal strike at Lonmins Marikana Platinum Mine, with the dispute heightened by conflicts between members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the newly formed newly formed Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union. The conflict escalated later in the day when police opened fire on protesting miners killing at least 30 people. (Photo :Felix Dlangamandla)
Mine workers protest for higher wages shortly before the shooting started. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Police fire live ammunition at mine workers on August 16, 2012 at the koppie. (Photo :Felix Dlangamandla)
The police open fire on the workers at the koppie. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A miner leaks his spear while gathering at the koppie outiside nkaneng informal settlement near the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg north west.(Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A miner licks his spear in an intimidating manner at the koppie outside Nkaneng informal settlement. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Police after they opened fire on mine workers. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Police after they opened fire on mine workers. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

Comments

Terril Scott Aug 16, 2024, 03:30 PM

Mobs do not have minds; you cannot reason with them. What do you do when they get out of control? Stand there and die?

Cameron Gay Aug 17, 2024, 09:41 AM

I am still appalled by the cynicism displayed by the government and SAPS, their actions glorifying the memory of Sharpville

M D Fraser Aug 19, 2024, 10:35 AM

Looked a lot like Blood River, i.e. thousands of spears against a few hundred rifles. Same result.