/ 14 April 2013

Marikana lawyer Mpofu released from hospital after stabbing

Marikana Lawyer Mpofu Released From Hospital After Stabbing

"I have been released and I am fine, however doctors advised me not to fly because I have a lung problem," said Mpofu. He said he would have to travel by road to Johannesburg.

Mpofu, who is representing miners involved in last year's police shootings in Marikana, North West, was attacked by two people while walking on a beach in East London on Thursday. He was stabbed in the upper and lower body.

The former SABC CEO was believed to be on a short break before the Farlam Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana shootings resumes this week.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Miranda Mills said investigations were continuing and no arrests had been made.

The commission is hoping to continue as planned, following the attack. "We are engaging the legal teams where Mr Dali Mpofu works from," said Tshepo Mahlangu.

Options being explored include the possibility of Mpofu's team putting someone else in his place while he recovers, or for retired judge Ian Farlam and the evidence leaders to meet to see whether the sequence of the inquiry's programme can be changed.

"The commission has to continue," said Mahlangu. "We can't afford anymore delays."

Mahlangu said the commission was shocked and saddened by the attack on Mpofu. "He is an important member of the commission, playing a very important role. We want to wish him a speedy recovery."

Mahlangu said the commission did not see a link between its work and the attack on Mpofu. "Not at all. The police have said very clearly that it is robbery. There is no information that we have that seeks to suggest otherwise," he said. – Sapa