Fourteen years after the Marikana massacre, the families of the 34 mineworkers killed by police in August 2012 continue to seek justice. The incident, which occurred at Lonmin’s platinum mine near Rustenburg, marked the deadliest use of force by South African police since the 1976 student uprising. Despite numerous investigations and commissions, no individuals have faced criminal charges for the killings, and many victims' families have received minimal compensation. Survivors and trade unions remain vocal in their demands for accountability, highlighting the unresolved issues surrounding the massacre. The violence erupted during a wildcat strike by miners demanding higher wages, moving from R4,000 to R12,500 per month. On 16 August 2012, police opened fire on striking workers, resulting in 34 fatalities and 78 injuries. The situation had been escalating throughout the preceding week, with 10 additional deaths among both miners and security personnel. The Farlam Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate the events, concluded that the police had used excessive force and manipulated evidence. However, despite these findings, no criminal charges have been brought against those responsible. Livhuwani Mammburu, spokesperson for the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), emphasized that the victims who died prior to the massacre have not been officially recognized. He stated that the mining companies, Lonmin and Impala Platinum, allowed a non-protective strike to occur, prioritizing production over the safety of workers. The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (Seri), representing 34 of the 36 families affected, noted that the state has only paid out around R352 million to settle civil claims, with some families receiving as little as R71 million. This amount, however, does not equate to true justice, as it fails to address the need for criminal accountability or provide closure for the families. Advocates and legal representatives have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing convictions. Thato Masiangoako from Seri criticized the absence of successful prosecutions, noting that all nine police officers initially charged were acquitted. She highlighted the failure to implement recommendations from the Farlam Commission and questioned how such a significant event could result in a miscarriage of justice. Advocate Dali Mpofu SC, who has represented some of the Marikana families, stressed the importance of holding both the state and private entities accountable, pointing out that civil cases involving Lonmin and President Cyril Ramaphosa are still pending. Political groups have also weighed in on the issue. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) renewed its call for justice, linking the massacre to criticisms of Ramaphosa, who was a director and shareholder of Lonmin at the time. The party accused the state of favoring big business interests over the lives of mineworkers. Similarly, the African Transformation Movement’s parliamentary leader, Vuyo Zungula, described Marikana as an example of state failure and selective justice, arguing that those in power must be held accountable to achieve national peace. As the 14th anniversary of the massacre approached, the Mail & Guardian reflected on the enduring impact of the event. The editorial underscored the lack of accountability and the erosion of public trust in the justice system. It emphasized that the failure to prosecute those involved fosters a culture of impunity, where the lives of working-class citizens are deemed expendable. For the families of the victims and survivors, the absence of legal resolution continues to cause profound emotional and financial distress, leaving their grief unacknowledged by the state.
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