/ 1 November 2013

Zuma grants extension to Marikana inquiry

The commission shall now complete its investigation
The commission shall now complete its investigation, including the gathering of evidence and the concluding of hearings, by no later than April 30 2014. (Madelene Cronje, M&G)

President Jacob Zuma has granted an extension to the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, the presidency said on Friday.

"President Jacob Zuma has, in terms of section one of the Commissions Act, amended with effect from 31 October 31 2013 [Thursday], the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry," spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

"The commission shall now complete its investigation, including the gathering of evidence and the concluding of hearings, by no later than April 30 2014." 

It would submit its final report to the president six weeks later.

The commission had since resumed its work, the SABC reported.

Public order policing expert Lt-Col Duncan Scott reportedly continued his testimony on the events that led to the Marikana shootings last year.

According to the broadcaster, Dumisa Ntsebeza, for the families and victims, cross-examined Scott about a meeting he said he attended to brief top police officials in Pretoria.

Ntsebeza wanted to know convened and chaired the meeting.

Scott said he could not recall.

The commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in North West.

Police shot dead 34 people, mostly striking mineworkers, wounded 70 and arrested 250 at Marikana on August 16 2012.

In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed. – Sapa