South Africa inquiry into Marikana mine violence postponed

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa's inquiry into violence that killed at least 44 people at Lonmin's Marikana mine is postponed until the end of October.

The Marikana Commission of Inquiry Wednesday said the delay will allow lawyers to consult with clients and allow family members of the dead to travel to the hearings in the northern city of Rustenburg. Many of the families live in the Eastern Cape region.

The investigation began Monday with a tour of the site where police shot dead 34 striking miners on Aug. 16. It continued Tuesday with an inspection of the miners' living quarters. The 4-month inquiry will resume on Oct. 22 to determine the roles played by the police, Lonmin PLC, and two major unions in the violence, and whether they could have prevented it.