Probe violent protests: HRW

2012-08-22 14:08

Lonmin miners in Marikana. (Felix Dlangamandla, Beeld)

Johannesburg - In probing the Marikana shootings, the government should also investigate what led to violent protests in the country, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday.

"The inquiry should include a comprehensive review of the background of the most recent violent protests, including the deaths of police at the hands of miners," said spokesperson Cameron James.

The commission should be set up quickly and its terms of reference should include a brief to investigate reasons behind the violence, he said.

"It should not be limited to whether the use of lethal force by police was lawful."

- SAPA