On This Day: What happened on 06 June?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 06 June, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

1972 | A coal mine exploded in Zimbabwe killing more than four hundred mineworkers. At that time it was the worst mine disaster ever.

1995 | The death penalty in South Africa was abolished by the South African Constitutional Court.

2018 | At least 46 Ethiopians were killed when their boat capsized trying to cross from Somalia to Yemen.

2019 | The African Union (AU) suspended Sudan from all AU activities due to violence against protesters in the country.

READ: On This Day: What happened on 05 June?

DEATHS

2013 | South African cricketer, Jeffrey Mathews (70) 

2014 | Nigerian chieftain, and Ambassador to Senegal, Ado Bayero (83) 

2019 | Malawian Minister of Trade and Industry, Harry Thomson (85) 

2020 | Egyptian-born Greek painter, Constantin Xenakis (88)

BIRTHDAYS

1935 | South African human rights activist, Saul Mkhize 

1965 | Former Member of Parliament of South Africa, Madala Backson Masuku 

1980 | Former Leader of the Democratic Alliance political party, Mmusi Maimane

1984 | South African actor, Atandwa Kani

SPORT

2019 | President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Ahmad Ahmad was arrested in Paris with corruption, breach of trust and forgery charges.

ENTERTAINMENT

2002 | “The Bourne Identity” starring Matt Damon is released.

AFRICA FACT

Madagascar is the largest island in Africa, located in the Indian Ocean (off Africa’s East Coast). It is also the fourth largest in the world.