On 14 August 2024, the Mail and Guardian published an op-ed co-authored by SERI's Thato Masiangoako and Justin Winchester entitled, 'The state still withholding justice for victims of the Marikana massacre'.
The article discusses Thobile Mpumza's death and the state's denial of justice to the Mpumza family as an example of the various ways the South African government has failed the victims of the Marikana massacre, 12 years on. The government has yet to apologise to the victims' families and has inadequately addressed their claims for reparations. Despite settling some loss of support claims, the state has refused to reach an agreement on key claims, such as compensation for loss of support and a public apology. The authors calls for the state to expedite reparations and prosecution to bring closure to the affected families.
The authors concludes by urging the state to take responsibility and ensure justice is served '[w]ith the 12th anniversary of the massacre we urge the state to do all that it can to bring closure to the families. The state needs to apologise to the families of victims of the massacre and must take steps to expedite finalising reparations. The justice department should prioritise channelling the necessary resources to the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts to expedite the prosecution and trial of criminal cases to bring truth, justice and closure for the victims and the country'.
>> Read the full article here.