100s of striking miners, supporters march on South African mine amid heavy police presence
MARIKANA, South Africa – Ululating women and hundreds of striking miners waving sticks are marching on the South African platinum mine where police killed 34 of their co-workers, pressing demands for higher wages.
Throbbing police helicopters patrolled the skies and armed police in bulletproof vests and riding in armoured personnel carriers kept watch over the peaceful protesters , who were being joined along the march routes Wednesday by hundreds more people who broke branches off trees.
One man said all they want is a monthly minimum wage of R12,500 ($1,560).
The London-registered Lonmin PLC mine has warned that the strike that began Aug. 10 could cost 40,000 jobs if it continues. The mine remains shut down with fewer than 5 per cent of miners turning up for work.
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