Commissioners and commanders: Police leadership and the Marikana massacre

This monograph examines the decision-making and influence of senior police leaders in the build-up to the Marikana massacre.

This monograph examines the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the build-up to the Marikana massacre: the killings by police of 34 striking miners on 16 August 2012 at the Lonmin Marikana mine. The monograph focuses on decision-making and the exercise of authority and influence by the senior leadership of the SAPS.

About the author

David Bruce is an independent researcher on policing, crime and criminal justice. His work focuses on the use of force by police, and police accountability. In 2016 he was appointed to the panel of experts on policing established on the recommendation of the Marikana Commission. He has a Master’s degree in management from the University of the Witwatersrand.