The Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry into the events surrounding the Marikana massacre, has been a much talked about topic since its establishment in 2012. With much anticipation and speculation surrounding its findings, an infographic has been released to provide an overview of the dates, people and locations involved in this commission. This informative and visually appealing graphic aims to give readers a better understanding of the events that led to the tragedy and the steps taken in the pursuit of justice.
Firstly, let’s take a closer look at the dates highlighted in the infographic. The commission was established on October 4th, 2012, by President Jacob Zuma. This marked the beginning of the formal investigation into the events that took place at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana, South Africa. The commission was given a six-month period to conduct its inquiry and present its findings to the president. However, due to the complexities and magnitude of the case, the time frame was later extended to June 2015.
Moving on to the people involved, the infographic includes the names of the two key players in this commission – Judge Ian Farlam and Judge Neels Claassen. Judge Farlam, a respected retired judge, was appointed as the chairperson of the commission. His experience and expertise in the field of law made him the ideal candidate to lead this inquiry. Judge Claassen, on the other hand, was responsible for the disciplinary hearing of the police officers involved in the Marikana massacre. Both judges played crucial roles in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
Another important aspect of the Madlanga Commission is the locations involved. The infographic highlights the key areas where the events of the Marikana massacre unfolded. The Lonmin platinum mine, located in Marikana, is where the tragedy first erupted in August 2012. It is also the site where the police opened fire on striking miners, resulting in the deaths of 34 miners. The commission also visited the scene of the crime, along with other relevant locations, in order to gather evidence and conduct thorough investigations.
It is worth noting that the Madlanga Commission was not the only inquiry into the Marikana massacre. The infographic also includes a timeline of the various investigations and hearings that took place parallel to the commission. These include the Farlam Commission, the Farlam Inquiry, and the Claassen Board of Inquiry. These separate investigations, while sometimes causing confusion and delays, ultimately brought about a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the events that took place at Marikana.
As the infographic comes to an end, it also highlights the key findings of the Madlanga Commission. The commission found that the police were not justified in using lethal force against the striking miners and that their actions were unlawful. It also recommended further investigations into the role played by various individuals and organizations in the events leading up to the tragedy. These findings, while not bringing back the lives lost, provide some closure and a glimmer of hope for the victims and their families.
In conclusion, the Madlanga Commission infographic serves as a succinct and informative tool to present a visual overview of the dates, people, and locations involved in this ongoing inquiry. It not only sheds light on the various aspects of the investigation but also plays a crucial role in educating the public about the tragic events that took place at Marikana. The commission’s findings highlight the importance of justice and accountability, serving as a reminder that no one is above the law. This infographic serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continuous efforts towards a fair and just society.
