Rustenburg - All eyes will be on the Rustenburg Civic Centre in the North West province today as the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, appointed by President Jacob Zuma to probe the killing of 34 mine workers in Marikana in August, begins its work.
A large contingent of journalists is camped outside the Rustenburg Civic Centre where the commission is to undertake its work. Security is tight around the venue with armoured police vehicles and sniffer dogs patrolling the area. There were also a few family members of the deceased and workers and friends of the victims of the August 16 tragedy present.
The hearings of the commission, led by retired judge Ian Farlam, are aimed at determining the roles played by platinum mining company Lonmin, the police, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).
Parties will convene at the Civic Centre this morning and the commission will therafter proceed to undertake an in loco inspection in Marikana.
The inquiry shall be recorded and will be open to the members of the public except when the chairperson rules that part of the proceedings must be held in camera in the interest of justice.
Footage captured by different media houses may be used as evidence during the hearings. The commission has four months to complete its work.
