South Africa minister wants explanation

South Africa's justice minister has demanded an explanation after 270 miners were charged with the murder of their colleagues, who were shot by police during protests.

State prosecutors charged the miners under the apartheid-era common purpose doctrine.

The decision has already been condemned by constitutional lawyers.

In a statement, Jeff Radebe said that under the constitution, the justice minister must exercise final responsibility over the prosecuting authority.

He said he has asked the head of the National Prosecuting Authority to furnish a report explaining the rationale behind the decision to charge the miners.