South Africa Remembers Dead at Lonmins Marikana Mine
Events are taking place across South Africa to remember the 44 people killed in recent violence at the north western Marikana platinum mine.
A hymn-filled memorial service at the Lonmin-owned mine is being attended by church leaders, politicians and thousands of mourners. Reports of worker action at two other platinum mines have added to industry fears that the unrest is spreading. The price of platinum has leapt to its highest since May. A week ago, 34 miners died when police opened fire at the mine, where workers were on strike to demand higher pay. Previously 10 people, two of them police officers, had died in violent clashes.
The mine has been closed as a result of the unrest. Politicians, religious leaders from all denominations, and thousands of workers and members of the local community are attending a memorial service at a church near the mine to commemorate all those who have died in the violence.