"The National Prosecuting Authority has blundered seriously", says Koos van der Merwe MP, the IFP Spokesperson on Justice. "In fact, it is in jeopardy".

"They firstly blundered by deciding to prosecute 274 miners knowing very well they face an almost impossible task of proving, amongst others, a common purpose. They did not wait for the outcome of a proper investigation. They simply jumped the gun. This is a fundamental error.

"Secondly they succumbed under pressure. This is an even more serious blunder. "In the circumstances the Prosecuting Authorities has seriously damaged its independence and even its integrity, which has serious implications for the Judiciary."