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Lonmin security guard to be cross-examined

Johannesburg - The cross-examination of a Lonmin security guard is expected to take place when the Farlam Commission of Inquiry resumes on Friday.

On Thursday, Mogomotsi Masibi began testifying, particularly about the murders of Lonmin security guards, Hassan Fundi and Frans Mabelani.

"Manamela [another security guard] and I were called by our seniors, Mabelani and Fundi. Mabelani said the approaching protesters had an intention to burn NUM [National Union of Mineworkers] offices," Masibi said.

"He told us to disperse the strikers with rubber bullets. I disagreed with him. I told him we did not have sufficient equipment to disperse the huge group of protesters. Neither did we have armoured vehicles."

Masibi said other security guards also did not agree with Mabelani, but the senior security guard prevailed.

Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and another 250 arrested on 16 August 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.

The commission, led by retired judge Ian Farlam, is probing these deaths, and the 10 of the week of 12 August.
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