MARIKANA - The Marikana Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday postponed hearings to October 22.
This after lawyers representing the families of the 34 miners killed in the August 16 bloodbath said footage from the day should only be shown when relatives are present.
The miners were killed during a confrontation with police at Lonmin's North West operation.
Commission head Judge Ian Farlam gave permission for the postponement.
Inquiry spokesperson Kevin Malunga said, “The family members in remote areas need to be brought in.”
Relatives from only five of the victims were present on Wednesday for the second half of proceedings.
But evidence was not presented because many parties were not ready.
One of the advocates, Dumisa Ntsebeza, said his clients were not present for the crucial part of the investigation.
Ntsebeza represents 20 families.
He said most of the relatives live in the Eastern Cape and Lesotho, and require transport, accommodation and food for the duration of the inquiry.
The hearing has three months to complete its findings.
(Edited by Zethu Zulu)