Marikana commission extended

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The commission - chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam - was set up by Zuma to look into the tragic events which took place around the Marikana mine in Rustenburg in the North West province. At least 44 people were killed, while roughly 70 were injured and about 250 were arrested in the wake of strike-related unrest.

"President Zuma has, in terms of section 1 of the Commissions Act, amended with effect from 31 October 2013, the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry into the tragic incidents at or near the area commonly known as the Marikana Mine in Rustenburg, in the North West province... on or about Saturday, 11 August to Thursday, 16 August 2012," said the Presidency.

In terms of the amendment, the commission will now complete its investigation, including the gathering of evidence and the concluding of hearings, by no later than 30 April 2014.

The commission was supposed to report to President Zuma in February this year but the deadline was extended to October.

The commission will now submit its final report to the President within a period of six weeks after the date on which it has completed its investigation.

Last month, the South Gauteng High Court ruled that Legal Aid South Africa should provide legal funding for the arrested and injured miners in the inquiry.

The workers had failed to obtain an interim order in the high court in July to compel government to provide them with funding, pending the review of the decision by Legal Aid South Africa and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe not to provide them with funding.