Marikana: ‘Mr X’ set to testify

Ian Farlam. File picture: Oupa Mokoena

Ian Farlam. File picture: Oupa Mokoena

Published Apr 22, 2014

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Johannesburg -

The Farlam Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana shootings continues on Tuesday.

The commission, led by retired judge Ian Farlam, is probing the deaths of 44 people at Lonmin's platinum mining operations in Marikana, near Rustenburg, North West.

On August 16, 2012, 34 people - mostly striking miners - were shot dead and 78 people were wounded when police fired on a group gathered at a hill near the mine while allegedly trying to disarm and disperse them.

In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed in the strike-related violence.

During the last sitting, Farlam ruled that a police witness, dubbed Mr X, would testify in camera, from a remote undisclosed location.

He told the public hearings that any publication of Mr X's details will be prohibited.

He said two weeks prior to Mr X's testimony, the South African Police Service legal representatives at the commission shall disclose his name to the evidence leaders and all lawyers of all other parties.

The police would have to provide photographs of Mr X to the evidence leaders and all other parties.

“They should also indicate to the evidence leaders and the legal representatives of all parties all points at which they have been able to identify Mr X on video footage of the events during the period 13 to 16 August, 2012,” said Farlam. - Sapa

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