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Resources Centre and the Bench Marks Foundation.
He was questioning national police commissioner Riah Phiyega about events that led to the fatal shooting of 34 miners at Marikana, North West, on August 16 last year.
Bizos contended that a heavy police presence and their use of water cannon, teargas, and stun grenades without warning had escalated the situation.
Phiyega denied this and said the police presence was meant to calm the situation, not escalate it.
Police had plenty of experience in handling protests and had dealt with more than 33 000 protests in recent years. A video clip depicting North West police Commissioner-General Zukiswa Mbombo was played for the commission.
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In the clip, Mbombo said: “We will ask them (the miners) to leave. What I am saying is that today we are ending this matter,” said Mbombo.
In the clip, she said she would not disclose what the plan of action was.
Bizos asked Phiyega what the secret plan was and whether it had been related to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
He also wanted to know why Bishop Johannes Seoka had not been given a chance to address the miners before the shooting.
Phiyega also said the police team who shot dead striking mineworkers were thanked for following protocol.
She denied that a statement she issued the next day celebrated the death of the miners. — Sapa.
Online Reporter