Lonmin security tightened for march

2012-09-05 10:07

Marikana miners. (File, AP)

Rustenburg - Security was tightened at Lonmin's Marikana mine on Wednesday in anticipation of a march by mineworkers.

Additional mine security guards and police patrolled the area from dawn.

On Tuesday about 200 mineworkers met at the eastern mine's shaft 30 and tried to get their colleagues to stop working. Another march was then planned for Wednesday morning.

There was no sign of the marchers by 08:00.

Police in armoured vehicles also kept an eye on nearby Nkaneng squatter camp in Wonderkop.

Talks between worker representatives, unions, the labour department and management were expected to resume on Wednesday in Rustenburg.

Workers have been on strike for the last three weeks, demanding a monthly salary of R12 500.

On August 16, police fired on a group of protesting workers near the mine, killing 34 and wounding 78.

Another 10 people were killed earlier that week, including two policemen and two security guards.

- SAPA