Summons served on SA Deputy President over Marikana shooting

A summons has been served on Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's lawyers regarding the Marikana shooting, the presidency confirmed on Thursday, News24 reported.

"A summons has indeed been served on lawyers of Deputy President Ramaphosa arising from the Marikana tragedy," his spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said in a statement.

"Deputy President Ramaphosa has instructed his lawyers to defend the action."

Ramaphosa told Parliament on Thursday he could not answer questions about Marikana, as he had been issued with a summons.

Speaking during a parliamentary question-and-answer session, Ramaphosa told MPs it would be inappropriate for him to talk about Marikana due to the summons.

He was responding to a question on the progress made in forming an alternative dispute resolution process regarding the Marikana civil claims.

"A summons has been issued against me in my personal capacity and two other parties arising from the events of Marikana and, as a consequence of that and on the basis of legal advice I have sought, I have informed the secretary of cabinet it would not be appropriate for me to get involved."

Shortly after, the presidency issued a statement confirming the summons.

"A summons has indeed been served on lawyers of Deputy President Ramaphosa arising from the Marikana tragedy. [He] has instructed his lawyers to defend the action," his spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said in a statement.