The Police Killing Of 34 striking Platinum Miners Shocks Post-Apartheid South Africa

Mine "Bloodbath" Shocks Post-Apartheid South Africa -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The police killing of 34 striking platinum miners in the bloodiest security operation since the end of white rule cut to the quick of South Africa's psyche on Friday, with searching questions asked of its post-apartheid soul.

Newspaper headlines screamed "Bloodbath", "Killing Field" and "Mine Slaughter", with graphic photographs of heavily armed white and black police officers walking casually past the bloodied corpses of black men lying crumpled in the dust.

The images, along with Reuters TV footage of officers opening up with automatic weapons on a small group of men in blankets and t-shirts at Lonmin's Marikana platinum plant, rekindled uncomfortable memories of South Africa's racist past.

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More News On South Africa's 'Mine Slaughter'

S. African Police Claim Self-Defense in Mine Shootings -- Voice of America
Some SAfrican miners vow to fight to the death -- AP
South Africa shocked at death toll from police shooting; tensions remain high -- Washington Post/AP
South Africa’s Police Commissioner Defends Officers Who Fired on Miners -- New York Times
Miners' wives rage at South African police brutality after 'massacre' -- The Guardian
South African clashes tarnish volatile platinum industry -- CBC
Lonmin mining massacre shocks investors with flashback to apartheid South Africa -- The Telegraph
Platinum prices rise as violent South African mine dispute continues; other commodities mixed -- Washington Post/AP
Platinum rises on South African mine conflict -- AP