Johannesburg -
The Farlam Commission of Inquiry is hoping to continue as planned next week, following an attack on miners' advocate Dali Mpofu, a spokesperson said on Friday.
“We are engaging the legal teams where Mr Dali Mpofu works from,” said Tshepo Mahlangu.
Mpofu is recovering in hospital after being attacked and stabbed on an East London beach.
Options being explored include the possibility of Mpofu's team putting someone else in his place while he recovers, or for retired judge Ian Farlam and the evidence leaders to meet to see whether the sequence of the inquiry's programme can be changed.
“The commission has to continue,” said Mahlangu. “We can't afford any more delays.”
Earlier, Eastern Cape police said Mpofu was in a “serious but stable condition” after being stabbed and robbed near Eastern Beach.
Mahlangu said the commission was shocked and saddened by the attack on Mpofu.
“He is an important member of the commission, playing a very important role. We want to wish him a speedy recovery.”
Mahlangu said the commission did not see a link between its work and the attack on Mpofu.
“Not at all. The police have said very clearly that it is robbery. There is no information that we have that seeks to suggest otherwise,” he said. - Sapa