South African President Jacob Zuma has announced an inquiry into violence at a mine in the north-east of the country, calling the deaths there "tragic". Thirty-four people were killed when police opened fire on striking miners on Thursday. At least 78 people were injured in the confrontation. Mr Zuma said he was "saddened and dismayed" at the events and offered "sincere condolences" to all families who had lost loved ones. He said: "We have to uncover the truth about what happened here. I have decided to institute a commission of inquiry. It will enable us to get to the real cause of the incident and derive the necessary lessons." The president said his thoughts were with the families of those who had lost their lives but also with the police "who have to intervene in difficult situations". Mr Zuma added: "Today is not an occasion for blame, finger-pointing or recrimination. Today challenges us to restore calm and to share the pain of the affected families and communities. Today is about reminding ourselves of our responsibility as citizens."