Miners dig in after raids

Anger has reached boiling point in the Nkaneng informal settlement in Marikana, North West, where police - supported by heavily armed soldiers - cracked down on striking Lonmin miners at the weekend.

The operation in North West - during which 13 strikers were arrested - was preceded by a series of raids on soldiers' homes throughout Gauteng on Friday night.

At least 15 soldiers were taken into custody by military police and charged with organising a meeting between soldiers and axed ANC Youth League president, Julius Malema. Malema is accused of inciting violence in the continuing miners' strike, which has so far claimed 45 lives.

Nkaneng residents, angered by the raids, yesterday dug up roads and barricaded the township's entrances with boulders as they prepared for battle.

Among the 150 soldiers they are facing are members of some of the country's top infantry battalions which have been involved in UN Africa peacekeeping missions.

The barricading of Nkaneng started as police, 40km away, blocked the main road to Rustenburg to stop striking Anglo Platinum mineworkers from marching to the town's police station. Strike committee members were collecting money from the strikers. Journalists were threatened when they asked what the money was for.

"We don't trust the media. The media are telling the employer's [Lonmin's] story while we are projected as a violent mob," a leader said.

The weekend's crackdown was imposed after ministers heading the government's security cluster promised to disperse illegal gatherings and disarm the striking miners who have been on strike for more than a month. They are demanding a R12500 salary.

Though the police confiscated scores of dangerous weapons - pangas, spears and knobkerries - the miners are not backing down.

"We are waiting for them. What has already happened [the death of 34 miners last month] will be small compared to what will happen if they force their way in," said a striker at one barricade.

Police shot their way into the settlement on Saturday night, kicking down doors and allegedly assaulting people. Norman Mazwi said he and his two children were tear-gassed while watching TV.

"My children have done nothing wrong. We handed over our weapons as a sign of peace but still we are being attacked in our homes," he said.

Molefi Phele, a strike committee member, said: "Our government [is] treating us like animals. We cannot meet any more because people are scared."

Police spokesman Brigadier Phuti Setati said the raid was part of a countrywide operation targeting crime hot spots.

SANDF spokesman Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga confirmed the deployment of 150 soldiers, air force officers and medical personnel.