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Derby deaths: minister appoints judge - Family unaware of stampede probe

Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi has appointed a Supreme Court of Appeal judge, Judge Ronnie Pillay, to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of two soccer supporters at FNB Stadium during the Soweto derby in July.

Soccer fans Johannes Nkosi of Klipgat, Tshwane, and Prince Chauke of Bungeni, Limpopo, died after a stampede at one of the gates at the stadium at the Carling Black Label Cup game between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on July 29.

Nkosi's father, Phineas, said they have not been formally informed about the new developments.

"The only thing that has happened so far is that we were invited to attend the derby last week and a plaque was unveiled at the stadium at the gate where they died. We then watched the game and came home," he said.

Chauke's sister also said she attended the remembrance ceremony at FNB before the derby but was not aware of the commencement of the inquiry under Pillay.

The judge was commissioned to do similar work by former Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela in 2005. He produced a scathing report that fingered high-profile politicians such as Balindlela's predecessor, the late Makhenkesi Stofile, Enoch Godongwana, Stone Sizani and Mcebisi Jonas. It was later successfully challenged at the high court.

In 2014, Pillay released a former soldier from prison on appeal after serving 12 years of a 48-year murder sentence for killing his wife.

Pillay argued in his appeal judgment that the court had used a confession that was not properly obtained to find the soldier guilty.

Department spokesman Mickey Modisane said the FNB inquiry will have powers to subpoena witnesses and in case of any findings that require criminal charges to be laid, the recommendations will be followed accordingly.

Modisane said written submissions from all stakeholders including the PSL, the clubs, stadium management and members of the public should be submitted by the end of next month.

"During the first weeks of December, the committee will be tasked to scrutinise all representations received and to decide who, when, where and for what purpose will persons who have submitted their written representations to the committee be invited to present their evidence orally in person or via their respective legal representatives to the committee of inquiry early in January when the public hearings of the committee will commence."

Pillay, 63, will be assisted by Eugene van Vuuren and Masilo Maake.