Sangoma given guard’s tongue, chin

Retired judge Ian Farlam. File photo: Oupa Mokoena

Retired judge Ian Farlam. File photo: Oupa Mokoena

Published Jun 23, 2014

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Pretoria - The tongue and chin of a security guard were cut out after he was killed at a hostel in Marikana, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.

The flesh was “given to the inyanga to burn till they were ashes,” said the witness dubbed “Mr X”.

It was mixed with muti to be used for men to lick and be strengthened.

Mr X testified about how two security guards were killed on August 12, 2012.

When the striking workers arrived at the hostel, the security guards tried to talk to the strikers, but they ignored them.

“They tried shooting, but their guns didn't work.

“The guns didn't work because the inyanga said we would not be shot at because of the rituals we underwent.

“They fired the bullets but the bullets did not harm us. The bullets get stuck on your body,” he said.

Mr X said two security guards ran towards a car which was parked near a bus stop.

Shots were fired at the security guards and a car was set alight with a security guard inside. One of the security guards was stabbed with a spear.

Mr X said he also participated by hitting the security guard on his cheek with a panga.

“Bhele cut the security guard's chin and tongue.

“Anele scooped the blood with a bush knife and put it in the plastic bag,” he said.

Mr X said after the security guards were killed, more people went to the mountain for the rituals.

“People who did not believe in muti came after the security guards were killed, they came in their numbers, “ he said.

The strikers did rituals at a mountain where they were instructed not to be intimate with women, not to bath, and to carry their sticks in a horizontal position not touching the ground.

They were not allowed to change clothes and had to use their fists when pointing.

Mr X said the strikers marched to the K4 shaft and set alight seven vehicles.

While Mr X was testifying about the killings a woman left the auditorium crying.

The commission continues.

Sapa

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