South African police kill 34 striking miners

JOHANNESBURG: South African police killed 34 striking workers at Lonmin Plc's Marikana platinum-mining complex on Thursday, the worst death toll in police action since the end of apartheid in 1994.

At least 78 people were injured in the clashes, Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega told reporters in Marikana in North West province on Friday. Violence erupted on Thursday as police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse workers gathered on a hilltop near the mine. Clashes between rival labor unions led to a six-day standoff with police in which 10 people had already died, including two officers. Police say they acted in self- defense after coming under attack from workers armed with spears, machetes and pistols.

"Police had no option but to open fire," Phiyega said. "This is a dark moment for the country. This is no time for pointing fingers." About 3,000 rock-drill operators went on an illegal strike on Aug 10 demanding that Lonmin increase their pay to 12,500 rand a month.