All the accused face charges relating to a shooting incident in Marikana near Rustenburg prior to the Marikana massacre on August 16, 2012.

Former deputy commissioner Mpembe, who is now head of security at a mining house in Marikana, is accused of the murder of Semi Jokanisi, Tembelakhe Mati, Warrant Officer Hendrik Tsietsi Monene, and Warrant Officer Sello Ronnie Lepaauku.

He is charged alongside retired Colonel Salmon Johannes Vermaak, 53, together with Constable Nkosana Mguye, 38,  Warrant Officer Masilo Mogale, 49, Warrant Officer Katlego Joseph Sekgweleya, 39, and Khazamola Phillip Makhubela, 49, who are accused of the murder of Pumzile Sokhanyile.

Vermaak faces additional charges of defeating the ends of justice and contravention of the Commission Act.

Mpembe and Vermaak were granted R5,000 bail each while Mguye, Mogale, Sekgweleya and Makhubela were released on R2,000 bail each.

Mpembe, 55, is also accused of contravening the Commission Act and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act. The former commissioner - in addition - faces a charge of defeating the ends of justice. In this case, he is jointly charged with Gideon van Zyl, Dingaan Madoda and Oupa Pule.

Van Zyl, Madoda and  Pule allegedly failed to disclose that mineworker Modisaotsile van Wyk Sagalala died in custody while being transported to Lonmin premises on 16 August 2012.

Van Zyl, Madoda and Oupa Pule are out on warning.

African News Agency (ANA)