Johannesburg - Commemorations of the Marikana violence, in which 44 people were killed, must be held peacefully on Friday, national police commissioner Riah Phiyega said.
“We wish to appeal to everyone who will be in attendance to conduct themselves appropriately and to co-operate with the event organisers, marshals and the police,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
“Most importantly, we plead with them to not carry dangerous weapons including knives, knobkerries, firearms or any other dangerous weapons.”
Friday marks the first anniversary of the shooting at Lonmin's Marikana mine, near Rustenburg in the North West.
On August 16 last year, 34 striking mineworkers were killed when police fired on them while trying to disperse and disarm them.
Ten people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed in strike-related violence the preceding week.
Phiyega's office said the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union was granted permission from the Bojanala Municipality to hold a commemorative event in Rustenburg on Friday.
The event was therefore legal and the organisers were expected to ensure that the provisions of the Gatherings Act were complied with.
“(Phiyega) reiterated her call to all the leaders to make responsible statements which will not incite people and will not cause the already delicate situation to deteriorate,” her office said.
Police would keep watch at the commemorative events on Friday.
Sapa