/ 28 May 2013

Marikana inquiry extended, moved to Centurion

Judge Ian Farlam during a sitting of the Marikana commission of inquiry.
Judge Ian Farlam during a sitting of the Marikana commission of inquiry.

"The president is extending this sitting, as it was originally planned to be completed by the end of May, to go beyond that period," its chairperson retired judge Ian Farlam said on Tuesday.

The commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during unrest near Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana last year.

On August 16, police shot dead 34 miners. In the preceding week, 10 people, including two police officers and two security guards, were killed.

Tuesday marked the 100th day since the commission started its work, operating from the Rustenburg Civic Centre.

Farlam also ruled on the application by lawyers to move the commission's sitting from Rustenburg to Pretoria. "I am satisfied with the applications and submissions made for the move to Pretoria. Applicants have articulated how they are required to spend a lot of money, and with tight resources, to be here."

Mine agreed to ferry them
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe had given the move to Pretoria the go-ahead, said Farlam. Two parties to the commission had said they would be unable to participate further if the inquiry did not move.

Local and traditional communities had indicated that they would be prejudiced by the move, he said. "In that regard, I am also satisfied that there is no real substance to this concern, because they are legally represented.

"Their legal representation will be able to keep them informed about the activities of the commission."

Lonmin mine, which had been providing transport to the inquiry for communities in the area and the miners, had agreed to ferry them to Centurion, said Farlam.

The commission would sit at a venue in Centurion on June 4 and June 6. He said the venue was not available on June 3 and 5. He thanked the Rustenburg local municipality for letting the commission use its civic centre free of charge. – Sapa