Last minute affidavit brought in Claassen Inquiry
An affidavit by AMCU leader Joseph Mathunjwa has been allowed by the Claassen Board of Inquiry on Wednesday.
It is the first day of closing arguments in the inquiry into suspended National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega's fitness to hold office.
The board was established by President Jacob Zuma last year following the events at Marikana which lead to the deaths of 44 people.
Advocate Dali Mpofu argued on behalf of Mathunjwa, the families and the affected mineworkers on why the affidavit should be accepted.
The affidavit dealt with alleged political influence on Phiyega by then Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa and former Lonmin shareholder Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mpofu argued Phiyega should have - when she realised the influence - said no, but instead she did the opposite.
"If the minister crosses the line and exerts pressure towards the national commissioner, her duty is to say no. Our submission - whether you find it right or wrong is another matter - will be that instead of saying no, she said yes," Mpofu said.
The defence maintained they would only accept the affidavit subject to certain qualifications and they would also argue on its relevance.
Judge Neels Claassen found the submission would be admitted and the relevance would be argued later.
After lunch, the closing arguments was expected to start with submissions by the evidence leaders.