South Africa probes killing of mine workers

South African President Jacob Zuma announced Friday a probe into the deaths of 34 miners in a police crackdown on a wildcat strike, in the deadliest protest since apartheid.

Police at the Marikana platinum mine run by Lonmin, the world’s number three producer, insisted they acted in self-defence against hundreds of workers who stormed through teargas and rubber bullets trying to attack officers with gunfire, machetes and clubs.

But the nation recoiled from what local media quickly dubbed the “Marikana massacre”, drawing comparisons to the deadliest apartheid atrocities, chiefly the 1960 Sharpeville massacre when white police killed 69 black protesters.

As the death toll mounted during the day, Zuma cut short a visit to a regional summit and flew to the mine, vowing to uncover the cause of the killings.

“It is clear there is something serious behind these happenings and that’s why I have taken a decision to establish the commission (of inquiry) because we must get to the truth,” Zuma said.

“This is a shocking thing. We do not know where it comes from and we have to address it.

“This is unacceptable in our country, which is a country that everyone feels comfortable in. A country with a democracy that everyone envies.”

The White House said Friday that the United States was “saddened” by the deaths and expressed confidence in a government probe.

“The American people are saddened at the tragic loss of life,” White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters.

“We are confident that the South African government will investigate the facts around this case and, as always, we encourage all parties to work together to resolve the situation peacefully.”