Fellow South Africans‚
On 26 August 2012‚ I appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate matters of public‚ national and international concern arising out of the tragic incidents at the Lonmin Mine in Marikana‚ Rustenburg in the North West province‚ during 11 to 16 August 2012.
About 44 people lost their lives and many others were injured.
The Commission was chaired by Retired Judge Ian Farlam‚ assisted by Advocates PD Hemraj SC and BR Tokota SC. I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to them for the professional‚ efficient and effective manner in which they conducted the Commission.
I also thank the families of all the persons who lost their lives‚ both those who died before and during 16 August 2012‚ for their cooperation with the Commission despite being in pain and immense difficulties‚ because of the tragic loss of their loved ones.
Our hearts also go out to the families of those persons who were killed after 16 August 2012 whose murders fell outside the scope of the inquiry.
We also thank the witnesses‚ legal teams and injured workers. The participation of all ensured the success of the Commission.
The Commission was tasked with enquiring into and making findings and recommendations concerning the conduct of Lonmin Plc‚ the South African Police Service (SAPS)‚ the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU)‚ the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)‚ the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and other government departments‚ as well as individuals and groupings.
