Ellis Park soccer disaster inquiry begins

Public hearings into the deaths of 43 South African soccer fans at Ellis Park Stadium begain today.

Public hearings into the deaths of 43 South African soccer fans at Ellis Park Stadium begain today.

Testimony is expected from spectators and officials who witnessed the country's worst sports-related tragedy.

The commission will investigate the causes of the tragedy and make recommendations to prevent a repeat of the disaster. It is headed by High Court Judge Bernard Ngoepe.

The inquiry began on a sombre note when a minute of silence was observed for the victims.

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"I hope that the commission will give us a way forward because I lost my husband and the sole breadwinner at home," said one 29-year-old mother of two.

More than 100 people were injured in the crush on April 11th at the stadium when an estimated 75,000 spectators tried to cram into a venue with a capacity of 60,000.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Mr Ngconde Balfour, has said he does not expect the disaster to affect his country's bid for the 2010 World Cup.