Marikana Commission of Inquiry (Farlam Commission): findings and what happened next
The deaths of 44 people during a strike at Lonmin's Marikana mine from 11 to 16 August 2012, including 34 shot by police on 16 August.
- Country
- South Africa
- Type
- commission of inquiry
- Established
- 26 August 2012
- Chaired by
- Ian Farlam
- Report published
- 25 June 2015
Implementation, as of 11 August 2026All police officers tried in connection with the Marikana deaths have been acquitted, no prosecution over the 16 August 2012 shootings was reported as of August 2026, and some civil claims have been settled.
What the inquiry found
- The commission found that the police operation of 16 August should not have taken place because the plan was defective, and that police should have waited until the next day.1,2
- The commission found that police leadership did not initially disclose to it that the original plan had been abandoned, and that a delay of about an hour in medical help may have cost at least one life.1,2
- The commission found that Lonmin did not use its best endeavours to resolve disputes, did not adequately protect employees and failed to meet housing undertakings in its Social and Labour Plan.2,1
- The commission found that officials of the AMCU union did not exercise effective control over members and that the NUM union did not use its best endeavours to resolve the dispute.1,2
- The commission found that accusations that Cyril Ramaphosa, then a Lonmin director, caused the deaths were groundless.1,2
Key recommendations
- A panel of experts should revise public order policing rules, including avoiding weapons capable of automatic fire.1
- An inquiry into the fitness to hold office of the National Police Commissioner and the North West Provincial Commissioner.1
- A full investigation under the North West Director of Public Prosecutions to ascertain criminal liability of police members, and referral of the earlier killings for a prosecution decision.1
What happened next
- President Jacob Zuma released the report.1
- The Mahikeng High Court acquitted four police officers charged in connection with the death of a mineworker shot on 16 August 2012.5
- The Mahikeng High Court acquitted six police officers, including the former North West deputy provincial commissioner who headed the operation, who were tried over deaths on 13 August 2012. The NPA later said it would reinstate the case and hold a formal inquest.4,5
- SERI, which represents families, said the NPA had not prosecuted anyone over the events of 16 August 2012, and that the state had paid about 352 million rand to settle some civil claims.5
- The presidency said the government was ready to pay compensation, with police instructing attorneys to settle quantified claims not under criminal investigation, including 275 unlawful arrest and detention claims.3
Read the report: presidency.gov.za/node/6107
Sources
- The Presidency, Republic of South Africa, President Zuma releases Marikana Commission of Inquiry report (25 June 2015)
- Engineering News, Farlam finds against Lonmin, recommends enforced housing delivery (25 June 2015)
- IOL, Government to begin payouts to Marikana victims
- Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), Marikana, the High Court acquits six officers charged for events of 13 August 2012 (10 September 2024)
- TimesLIVE, 14 years on, Marikana families still seek justice (11 August 2026)