Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa. (SABC)
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Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, says 35 people have been killed in yesterday's confrontation with police at Lonmin Mine near Rustenburg. This brings the death toll to 45 at the mine since the violence erupted. He's also has expressed his condolences to the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives at the Lonmin mine in Marikana yesterday.
Mthethwa confirmed this morning on SAFM this morning.
National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega, is expected to brief the media later today about a violent confrontation that ensued between police and striking mine workers.
There is also a possibility that workers from other mines in the area might down tools in solidarity of the deceased
Striking mineworkers had been gathered at the top of a nearby hill for days, carrying knobkerries, pangas and other weapons. The violence is seen as the bloodiest in the country's post 1994 labour-related dispute with political parties and labour unions called for an inquiry into what actually happened.
Lonmin Platinum Mine has been under a siege of violence since last week Friday.
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Association of Mine Workers and Construction Union (AMCU) are blaming each other for the violence.
There is also a possibility that workers from other mines in the area might down tools in solidarity of the deceased.
Mineworkers have been on an illegal strike over wages since Friday, demanding R12 500 a month after tax, bringing production at the world's third biggest platinum producer, to a halt, earlier this week.
NUM has criticized mine bosses at Lonmin for undermining bargaining structures.
