News24Wire reports that the magistrate presiding over the inquest into the 2016 Lily Mine tragedy that left three families desperate for answers about their loved ones, has explained how the matter will proceed.
The proceedings are being held in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court and are aimed at determining what happened to Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi and Solomon Nyirenda and whether anyone can be held responsible for their deaths. Although their bodies have yet to be recovered after a shipping container they were working in fell into a sinkhole on 15 February 2016, they have been presumed dead. Magistrate Annemarie van der Merwe will be assisted by two seasoned mining engineers as assessors. Van der Merwe pointed out that the inquest was not a criminal trial and would not be treated like one. "Witnesses will testify on statements that were given following the tragedy. They will be allowed to comment on their statements. Witnesses will be allowed to add where they would like to add. The prosecutor will lead evidence of witnesses. In instances where witnesses testify on the alleged deceased families, a lawyer representing the families will be allowed to ask questions," Van der Merwe explained. "The purpose of this inquest is not only to determine the deaths in question but if a person was responsible for the death," she indicated.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly
- Read too, Inquest into Lily Mine tragedy starts as families plead for return of loved one's remains, at News24
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