A South African commission tasked with investigating the killings of dozens of striking miners by police started its proceedings today with a moment of silence and the reading of the victims’ names.  Check below for full coverage!
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President Jacob Zuma ordered the inquiry into the killings, one of the deadliest attacks since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The proceedings are open to the public except in cases where officials believe justice will be undermined, the commission said in astatement.

For the next two days, the commission will look into how the events unfolded. Members plan to visit the settlement where the miners lived to assess conditions.

The strikes started in August at Lonmin-owned Marikana platinum mine in the nation’s northwest.  Police opened fire on demonstrators the same month, killing 34 workers. An additional 10 people died in the protests, including two police officers.

South African authorities at first charged 270 miners with murder before dropping the charges pending further investigation.

Workers at the mine ended their weekslong strike last month after accepting a pay hike of up to 22%.

Amnesty International has expressed concerns on the safety of witnesses and whether the commission has enough resources to support those providing evidence to the inquiry.

“Many potential witnesses may need financial support to engage with the commission, including for legal advice and transport,” Amnesty said.

The commission will look into the conduct of Lonmin, the South African police and the workers’ unions during the strikes.

Source: CNN