Farlam commission postponed

The Farlam Commission of Inquiry investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest in Marikana, North West, last year, was again postponed on Wednesday.

 

Commission chairman, retired judge Ian Farlam, said proceedings would continue on Monday.

 

Speaking before the postponement was decided on, Farlam said the decision on funding for the lawyers representing the injured and arrested miners could be made soon.

 

"I was informed this morning that the decision has not been made, but will definitely be made by the end of the week," he said.

 

Dali Mpofu, for the miners arrested and injured during violence at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana last August, has taken the State to the Constitutional Court, asking that it pay for his legal team. He asked for the postponement pending the court's decision.

 

The commission is probing the deaths of 44 people killed during the unrest in August. Thirty four people -- almost all striking mineworkers -- were killed on August 16. Ten people were killed in the preceding week. Friday marks a year since the shootings.

 

- Sapa