MARIKANA – While negotiations continue with striking miners at Lonmin’s Marikana mine in the North West, police are expected to be back on patrols on Thursday morning after what seemed to have been a night without incident.
Protesters vowed not to return to work until their pay is raised from R4,000 to R12,500 per month.
The miners embarked on an illegal strike last week which sparked violent attacks leaving 10 people dead, two of which were policemen.
Police are expected to start dispatching Nyalas and hundreds of officers to the hilltop near the mine shafts, the protesters’ official spot where meetings and demonstrations have been held.
It is understood a sangoma is giving them traditional medicine to make them brave.
The group seemed pleased with an address by officials from start up union Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union on Wednesday night, but an agreement has not yet been reached.
Lonmin management will continue negotiating with the miners on Thursday.
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The Guardian 