Marikana protesters due in court

Protesters sing as they hold weapons outside the Lonmin mine in Marikana, Rustenburg, last week. Photo: Reuters

Protesters sing as they hold weapons outside the Lonmin mine in Marikana, Rustenburg, last week. Photo: Reuters

Published Aug 20, 2012

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Johannesburg - A total of 259 Marikana protesters were expected to appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate's Court on Monday.

“They will all appear in the Garankuwa Magistrate's Court on various charges which include murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, public violence and more,” Captain Dennis Adrio said.

The protesters were arrested on Thursday following the violent confrontation between police and striking workers of Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana, North West.

A total of 34 people were killed in the shootout that erupted near the mine on Thursday when police tried to disperse striking miners. More than 78 people were injured. Another 10 people had by then been killed in violent protests at the mine over the past week.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over recognition agreements at the mine.

Workers also wanted higher wages. - Sapa

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