S. Africa probes cops' shooting of miners

MARIKANA, South Africa -- A judicial panel yesterday investigated the rocky site where South African police killed 34 striking miners on Aug. 16.

Crime experts showed the commission of inquiry the scene of the police shootings that were South Africa's worst state violence since apartheid ended in 1994. President Jacob Zuma ordered the judicial investigation to determine the causes of the police killings, which shook the nation.

More than 100 people, including many protesting against the killings, followed the members of the judicial panel as they visited the scene. "Don't let the police get away with murder" was written on placards carried by several protesters.

The Marikana commission of inquiry is chaired by retired Judge Ian Farlam.

Among those participating in the inquiry is George Bizos, former lawyer for Nelson Mandela and now of the Legal Resources Center, which is representing some family members of the dead miners.

In addition to those killed, 78 were injured and more than 250 arrested in the incident.

It was the first day of a four-month investigation into the killings at the Marikana mines. At least 12 more people were killed in other violence, including two policemen, bringing the total death toll during the strike to 46.

"This is very important to us," said a Marikana miner watching the group navigating the scene of the shootings. "I hope those involved are found out and they must be brought to jail." "We are still afraid," he said of the police.

The inquiry focuses on violence at a Lonmin Plc platinum mine, 58 miles northwest of Johannesburg. -- AP