Johannesburg - The judicial commission of inquiry into the Marikana massacre has been welcomed by opposition parties, particularly its broad terms of reference, which include all parties who played a direct and indirect role in the tragedy.
It will look into the roles played by Lonmin, the two trade unions involved – the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union – and government departments and agencies.
It will have powers to enter and search premises, secure the attendance of witnesses and compel the production of documents. It may also refer any matter arising from its work for prosecution or further investigation.
DA leader Helen Zille said her party welcomed the establishment of the inquiry as this was an “important step for the nation in coming to terms with the tragic events which occurred in Marikana last week”.
Zille said the commission would be chaired by “the highly distinguished retired Justice Ian Farlam”, who will be supported by advocates Bantubonke Tokota SC and Pingla Hemraj SC.
“The fact that the terms of reference are so broad will hopefully result in less finger-pointing and scapegoating and rather some collective responsibility for what occurred in Marikana,” said Zille.
She said that if any high-ranking officials were found, “by act or omission”, to have been responsible in any way for the events, appropriate action must be taken.
African People’s Convention president Themba Godi said he was happy with the appointment of a judicial commission as it would go a long way towards giving victims a sense that the government was responding.
“The appointment of a retired judge is the best way. And the terms of reference are not restrictive. They’re broad enough, and I believe that with the co-operation of everybody we should get to the bottom of this,” said Godi.
United Democratic Movement president Bantu Holomisa also welcomed the announcement
, but Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota would not be drawn into giving his views until he had thoroughly studied the terms of reference.
“We have to look at the terms of reference to see exactly what issues they cover. If you remember, the ANC has been delaying this.”
SACP spokesman Malesela Maleka said the party welcomed the announcement.
“We welcome the broad nature of the terms of reference wherein all role-players implicated in the conflict will be scrutinised… and exposed,” he said.
The Star