South Africa mourns shot miners
Thursday 23 August 2012
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EmailGrieving South African families attended memorial services today for 34 striking miners killed by police.
More than 1,000 people attended the government-arranged memorial service in Marikana.
President Jacob Zuma called on the nation to commemorate not only the miners but all victims of South Africa's violence.
The day should be an opportunity for the nation to "mourn and promote a violence-free society," he said.
Last night, Mr Zuma demanded that mine companies provide decent homes and sanitation for miners.
He singled out one mining house where 666 workers shared four toilets and four showers.
Mr Zuma warned that those who do not comply with the Mining Charter risk losing their licences.
The president said it was not a time for pointing fingers.
"I won't judge the incident. The judicial commission of inquiry will do so," he said.
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