20120905
AFP
About 200 miners marched at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine in South Africa on Tuesday, demanding colleagues stay away from work in the fourth week of a deadly wildcat strike, the company said.

The march came a day after prosecutors dropped murder charges against 270 people who were arrested at the mine two weeks ago after police gunned down 34 striking workers.

Police kept a close watch on the march, with the group dispersing of its own accord after speaking with management, Lonmin spokeswoman Sue Vey said.

"There was no violence or threatening behaviour," she said.

The mine said Tuesday that 6.5 percent of its 28,000-strong workforce showed up for work, up slightly from Monday.

Miners began striking on August 10, demanding a wage increase from 4,000 rand a month (375 euros, $475) to 12,500 rand.

In the days before the August 16 mass shootings, 10 people -- including two police officers -- were hacked and beaten to death in violent clashes between workers.

Fewer than half of those arrested were employed by the London-listed company, the world's number three platinum producer.

"Only 145 of 270 who were arrested are Lonmin employees," said Vey.