September 12, 2012. South African military put on high alert in response to mine strikes
| SOURCE: | Kroll |
Military bases across the country were placed on high alert on September 12th for the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994, defense officials confirmed. The move came as firebrand politician Julius Malema prepared to address disgruntled soldiers near Johannesburg. He has addressed several rallies in recent weeks, demanding President Zuma's removal from power after police shot dead striking miners. Analysts see Malema as exploiting the killings to reinforce his image as the champion of poor black South Africans.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said on September 12th that roughly 1,000 workers at a platinum mine in North West province, owned by the world's top platinum producer, launched a strike as well. Strikers were reportedly rioting, barricading the roads with tires, trees trunks, and rocks.
Copyright © 2012 Kroll Inc.
