North West - The police would continue to monitor the Wonderkop area, in Marikana where 44 people were killed when Lonmin platinum mine rock drillers embarked on a strike, North West police said.
“Obviously we will maintain high police visibility until the situation is calm,” spokesman Captain Dennis Adriao said.
Earlier, EyeWitness News reported that protesters were calling for the police to leave the area saying that they were intimidating the community.
“If there have been any cases of intimidation, protesters should open a case at the police station,” said Adriao.
Last week, the platinum mining company's rock drill operators embarked on a protest that saw 10 people, including two security guards and two police officers, killed.
The protests culminated in clashes with the police on Thursday, in which 34 miners were shot dead, more than 70 injured and 260 arrested.
The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher pay. - Sapa