The death of Andries Tatane

On 13 April 2011, activist Andries Tatane was killed, by police after a service delivery protest turned ugly in Ficksburg, Free State. Following his death, eight Free State policemen were arrested on charges of assaulting and killing Tatane. The eight accused were Nicodemus Israel Moiloa, Jonas Skosana, Mothusi Magano, Mphonyana Ntaje, Olebogeng Mphirime, Solomon Moeketsi, Kanathasen Munsamay and Isaac Finger. Of eight policemen, two were charged with murder and the rest faced charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They were all found not guilty as it was claimed that they could not be identified because of the helmets that were worn. Less than two months before his death, a protester died during a clash between police and residents during service delivery protests in Ermelo, Mpumalanga. Tatane left behind his wife and two children.