Johannesburg - Emotions ran high at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday as scores of women demanded the release of their husbands and relatives following their arrest after violent protests at the Lonmin mine in Marikana, North West.
Chanting and carrying placards reading “They don’t belong in jail” and “[police chief Riah] Phiyega you govern by innocent blood”, the group was escorted outside the court premises by police officers armed with bullet-proof vests, shields, helmets and batons.
The 259 accused - who arrived in batches after midday - face charges of murder, attempted murder and public violence, among others.
Former ANC Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu also attended the hearing, and negotiated with the regional head of the Department of Justice, Tsietsi Malema, to allow the women access to the courtroom.
Malema said he would present the women with a list of the accused as they arrived and would grant them access if any of their relatives appeared.
The courtroom’s public gallery was divided into two sections by police officers forming a barricade in the centre of the room, to ensure there would be sufficient space for the accused as there was not enough space in the dock.
State prosecutor advocate Sidney Tlhangwane requested a seven-day postponement to complete investigations, which he described as “complex”. He explained that the charges were very serious and sensitive, and had attracted international interest.
“We [State and investigating officer] need time to formulate all the charges properly,” he said.
The court heard that some of the miners were from neighbouring countries and their addresses needed to be verified.
Defence lawyer Andries Nkome opposed the postponement and argued that 48 hours had elapsed since their arrest late on Thursday afternoon.
Magistrate Esau Bodigelo found that the 48 hours lapsed on Friday afternoon outside court operating hours and said it was in the interest of justice to allow the State to continue its investigations. He postponed the case to Monday. - The Star