South Africa has been subject to nationwide strikes after workers from the Marikana platinum mine, just outside Johanasburg, stopped their six-week strike after agreeing to a 22 per cent pay rice.
A day after the deal was done, police fired the rubber bullets at another protest. Strikes have supposedly spread like wild fire to other mines around the country.
The BBC quoted South Africa’s leader: “President Jacob Zuma said that the disruption had cost the industry $548m (£337m) in lost output.”
The recent disruption occurred when Anglo American Platinum, the largest platinum producer on earth re-opened for business.
Police are believed to have moved in on a squatters camp near the mine, though it was not clear if they were employed by the Anglo American Platinum mine.
Captain Dennis Adriao from South Africa’s police said: “Police utilised tear gas and stun grenades, and rubber bullets were used at the squatter camp,” reported BBC News.
“As we have said, we are not tolerating any illegal gatherings,” continued the officer.
AP reported that the police shot dead 34 people at Marikana mine last month, but workers appeared to be celebrating the end of the strike.
Zuma has ordered an inquiry into the event dubbed the “Marikana massacre”.
There are still approximately 15,000 miners on strike from precious metal producers Gold Fields.
Picture: Getty Images
