New York Times

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Frantic wives searched for missing loved ones, President Jacob Zuma rushed home from a regional summit and some miners vowed a fight to the death Friday as police finally announced the toll from the previous day’s shooting by officers of striking platinum miners: 34 dead and 78 wounded.

Criminal actions by the South African government like this give the word “Freedom” a whole new meaning to the South African people.

The miners who have one of the most physically demanding and dangerous occupations on the planet are striking over the meager wage they are paid. They are currently paid 625 Rand a month and want it increased to 1,563.

South Africa mines supply about 75% of the world’s platinum. The cost of the very expensive mineral at its peak was almost $ 1,500.00 per ounce.

About 130 tons of the “white gold” is produced throughout the world each year; meaning that South Africa mines about 98 tons a year.

This is a big step backwards for the people of South Africa. It seems that some governments feel the need to kill their people instead of negotiating with them. These are very sad times on Mother Earth for these people.