Marikana witness breaks down

Mzoxolo Magidiwana broke down while giving evidence before the Marikana Commission of Inquiry in Rustenburg on Wednesday (March 6 2012). Picture: Lucas Ledwaba/City Press

The Marikana Commission of Inquiry was forced to adjourn early after a witness broke down during cross-examination.

Mzoxolo Magidiwana broke down today after viewing a video of a shooting in which he suffered severe injuries and which left 16 of his mine worker colleagues dead. In total, 34 people died in the shooting. The other 18 were shot dead several hundred metres away.

A similar incident occurred last week when the 24-year-old broke down and wept when he saw several replays of the video during cross-examination by police lawyer Advocate Vuyani Ngalwana.

This afternoon, Ngalwana asked the commission to replay the video of the shooting to argue his point that at the time of the shooting, the police were retreating and the group of armed mine workers were charging towards them.

Earlier, an emotional Magidiwana raised his voice and banged the table with his fist when Ngalwana asked if he had seen the line of police officers retreating during the shooting.

Commission chairperson retired judge Ian Farlam cautioned Magidiwana, who instead of answering questions, often resorted to emotional outbursts and comments aimed at Ngalwana.

Ngalwana apologised for making Magidiwana angry with his questions, saying he was only doing his job.

The hearing continues on Monday.