Johannesburg – No violence was reported at Lonmin mine in Marikana, North West, overnight after 35 people were shot dead there on Thursday afternoon, police said on Friday.

“Police have been patrolling the area, but the situation remained quiet after the shooting,” said Captain Dennis Adriao.

ENews quoted Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa as saying that 35 people had died in the shoot-out. 

“Police did everything they could… but people [miners] said they were not leaving and are prepared to fight,” he said in an interview with Talk Radio 702.

Provincial health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said no injured people were admitted to hospital although Mthethwa countered this.

National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega will hold a media conference on Friday at 11:30 at Lonmin Training Centre. 

SAPA