Bongani Mdze (28) was from Jabavu, Mataliele in the Eastern Cape. He began working for Lonmin in 2005. He was the first person in his family to work at the mines.
On 16 August 2012 Bongani was killed at scene 2. He died after he the police shot him from behind 3 times – in the arm, lower leg and the back of his head.
He left behind his wife and a young child. He was also financially supporting his sister when he was killed.
According to his sister, Matshepo Letsaba, "He told us about the increase of police and the Nyalas. He said the workers wanted to speak to their employer, but the employers never bothered to come and talk to them. He did not understand why the police where there instead of his employer because they were not fighting anyone. They only wanted better salaries."