Rustenburg, North West - South African President Jacob Zuma Friday announced an official probe into the "shocking" deaths of 34 workers in police fire at a platinum mine run by leading producer Lonmin.
"We have to uncover the truth about what happened here. In this regard, I've decided to institute a commission of inquiry. The inquiry will enable us to get to the real cause of the incident and to derive the necessary lessons too," he said.
Police opened fire Thursday on armed workers staging an illegal strike at the Marikana platinum mine, run by London-listed Lonmin, near the northwest mining town of Rustenburg.
"It is clear there is something serious behind these happenings and that's why I have taken a decision to establish the commission because we must get to the truth," Zuma said.
"This is unacceptable in our country, which is a country that everyone feels comfortable in. A country with a democracy that everyone envies."
"This is a shocking thing. We do not know where it comes from and we have to address it," he said.
After the extent of the casualties became clear Friday, Zuma cut short his visit to neighbouring Mozambique for a regional summit and flew to Marikana for a briefing from police and other authorities.
He was later expected to visit some of the 78 injured in nearby hospitals. - AFP