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Several miners were killed when police moved in today to end a stand-off with striking Lonmin workers at Marikana Mine in North West province.
By late Thursday afternoon the death toll was put between seven and 12 but it could be higher.
Police at the scene said they had been trying to negotiate with the striking rock-drill operators massed on a rocky outcrop near the mine, but the talks had failed.
Over the past several days at least ten people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed in violence that erupted last Friday.
The violence has seen the Lonmin share price plummet amid fears that investor confidence will be shattered.
Sapa reports that the platinum producer issued a warning on Thursday to strikers to return to work within 24 hours, or face dismissal.
"The striking rock drill operators remain armed and away from work. This is illegal under the Labour Relations Act," Lonmin said
in a statement.
Lonmin said it lost 15,000 ounces of platinum production since the illegal strike started last Friday.
