South African Police Branded 'Murderers' by Julius Malema for Mine Shooting

	South African Police Branded 'Murderers' by Julius Malema for Mine Shooting Controversial South African politician Julius Malema has called police "murderers" following a strike in which officers shot 34 people dead. The former African National Congress youth wing leader - whose fiery outbursts led to his expulsion from the party earlier this year - opened murder charges against all policemen and women who were involved in the violence. "We feel very strongly that when a murder has happened, there must be a case opened," he said outside a police station near the platinum mine in Marikana. A case of murder, assault and attempted murder had now been opened, he added. In addition, the country's president Jacob Zuma has set up an inquiry to investigate the deaths. It comes as a South African cabinet minister confirms that all of the bodies shot by police have been identified. "All the bodies have been identified. One is a foreign national," Collins Chabane said. Around 3000 rock-drill operators went on strike after a total of 44 people died during outbreaks of violence sparked by a pay dispute. The company that owns the mine, Lonmin, has confirmed that only 33% the mine's 28000 workers have since returned to work - despite an extension of its return-or-be-sacked deadline. Lonmin has now gone back on its threat to fire striking workers because of the week-long period of national mourning following the events of the past few days. Company spokesperson Sue Vey told Sky News: "It's not about the firing or the disciplinary action - it's about urging <b>...</b>	From: technicalality Views: 0 0 ratings
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