JOHANNESBURG - President Jacob Zuma appointed a commission of inquiry into the violent incidents which left 44 people dead amid an illegal strike by mineworkers at  Lonmin’s Marikana mine in North West  last month.

The commission has been mandated to determine the  roles played by Lonmin, the police, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in relation to the events before, during and after the deadly violence at Marikana.

Addressing journalists yesterday, Radebe said the commission will announce their directives and timetable in due course, to give details of its schedule for  hearings.

“The commissioners were taken to the Rustenburg Civic Centre where the hearings will take place, to view the facilities and they are happy with the facilities.

“In addition, the Rustenburg municipality has offered the Marikana Hall in the Marikana informal settlement for use by the commission, as the area is central to many other surrounding informal settlements and farming communities.”

Government is also set to make transport arrangements where necessary for the families of the deceased to attend and participate.

Radebe  lauded Lonmin workers for returning to work after a wage agreement was reached this week.

The commission will be chaired by Judge Ian Farlam, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma will soon promulgate regulations which will confer powers on the commission to enable it to execute its  task.

The regulations will also empower the commission to enter and search premises, secure the attendance of witnesses and compel the production of documents.

An estimated R24 million, which will cover operations and salaries,  has already been set aside.