(AUDIO) Funding for Marikana legal teams denied

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe explained why government will not provide state funding for the legal teams at the Marikana Commission of Inquiry.

 

Radebe attributed the decision to the Legal Aid board experiencing financial constraints due to the economic downturn.

 

He said the evidence leaders are able to deal with the investigation without parties being represented as it isn't a criminal procedure.

 

Radebe said government is not unsympathetic to the cause of injured miners.

 

The minister also touched on the issue of legal representation at the Seriti commission of inquiry saying says that a decision was taken that government will use a single legal team when it appears before the commission.

 

Radebe added that no private attorneys will be employed by the state during the commission while also denying that the government refused to fund former President Thabo Mbekis legal costs.