A rights group on Saturday threatened legal action against government after police and the local municipality barred the women of Marikana in the North West from holding a march. 

A group of women were planning to demonstrate against what they term police brutality on Saturday.

The local municipality refused them permission to strike.

This after a local councillor, Pauline Masutlhe, was shot by officers with rubber bullets last week and later died in hospital.

The Marikana Solidarity Campaign said by stopping the residents from demonstrating, authorities were violating the people's rights.

The campaign's Rehad Desai said, “We see this as a contravention of our constitutional right. This was a peaceful demonstration by the women of Marikana to demand peace.”

Desai also raised questions about whether officers, who shot Masutlhe, used runner bullets or live ammunition.

The Masutlhe family intends taking legal action against government and the Police Ministry.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is currently investigating the death.

Marikana made headlines in August during a violent mine protest.

Lonmin’s mine workers were demanding a R12 500 monthly salary and improved living conditions.

At least 35 people were killed on 16 August during clashes with police. In total, 45 people lost their lives.

The strike was called off earlier this week after miners and the management reached an agreement.

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma has established a commission of inquiry to investigate the shooting.

The commission has four months to conclude its investigation.