Mthethwa appoints Marikana lawyer
2012-11-08 19:52
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2012-11-06 09:33
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Johannesburg - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has appointed his own lawyer to represent him at the Farlam commission of inquiry, his spokesperson said on Thursday.
"There are issues that have arisen during the course of the commission that have oversight and policy implications," Zweli Mnisi said.
As a result, Mthethwa had found it necessary to appoint advocate Lindi Nkosi-Thomas, SC.
"The minister, as the executive authority of the [SA Police Service] has a legal obligation both from a legislative and oversight framework. That is why he needs to get ongoing updates."
The commission, chaired by retired Judge Ian Farlam, has been tasked with investigating a shooting in Marikana, North West, that left 34 miners dead during a confrontation with police.
Mnisi said the new legal team would not participate in arguments at the commission, but only act as observers.
"Ideally the minister should be at the commission on a daily basis, but due to other pressing engagements in his portfolio he is unable to do so."
This approach would allow Mthethwa to have first-hand information, rather than relying on outside sources.
- SAPA
