Thebe Mabanga
The process of trying to analyse the cause of the Ellis Park disaster and avert a possible future occurrence got under way this week with the release of the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry into the disaster.
The commission’s chair, Gauteng Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, expressed appreciation for the eagerness with which a report is anticipated, but noted “haste should not be allowed to compromise the quality of the work”.
The process will start with an invitation to the public to send written statements if they wish to present evidence to the commission. Subpoenas will be used where necessary. Written submissions will be followed by presentation of oral evidence in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Unveiling the terms of reference, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Penuell Maduna said the inquiry will establish whether there is any criminal liability on the part of anybody and the possibility of criminal prosecutions will not be ruled out.
The commission will investigate the events of the fateful Wednesday, the factors that preceded the match and whether there was mismanagement form the organisers.
Its final report will make recommendations on how a similar tragedy will be prevented in future.