witness stand and give evidence in addition to the scheduled witnesses. No evidence was heard in camera. The Commission regarded the media as a partner in informing the public of its work and all hearings were broadcast to the public. The Commission did not permit the cross examination of witnesses. However, the Commissioners asked witnesses clarity-seeking questions. The key principle followed was that all witnesses could give their evidence with the full knowledge that such evidence could not be used against them in any legal proceedings. 1.13. Scope of participants and their presentations The Commission heard oral evidence from one hundred and four (104) witnesses and considered sixty (60) written submissions (See Annexure 6). Among the witnesses were relatives of the deceased, government officials, leaders of political parties, the Army, the Police, and representatives of Civil Society Organisations. The witnesses fell into the following categories: a. Those who were affected directly by the violence, including the ones who were injured and those who lost property; b. Relatives and friends of the deceased; c. Those who were not directly affected but gave an eyewitness account of what transpired; d. Those who did not witness the violence but gave evidence as concerned Zimbabweans; e. Those who came representing their institutions; f. Expert witnesses; g. The Police and the Army; h. Government officials; and i. Those who were invited by the Commission 7 7