The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA will call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to investigate the reported arrest, release and subsequent re-arrest of four Marikana miners last week.

The four miners were first arrested last Tuesday, after attending the hearings of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry – where they are expected to appear as witnesses. They were allegedly assaulted, tortured and manhandled during this arrest.

The magistrate struck their case from the roll pending the outcome of the Farlam Inquiry. The miners were therefore released, but have subsequently been rearrested.

The fact that this case was struck off the roll until the commission of inquiry is complete raises serious question around why these miners were arrested in the first place.

Is this an attempt at intimidation on the part of the SAPS?

The SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must step back and allow the Commission to complete its work.

Once this is done and we have all the facts, the SAPS and NPA will be obliged to take action.