Lonmin workers to face an ultimatum to return to work

According to MineWeb, the scene surrounding the mining complex remained chaotic on Tuesday, with repeated, heavily armed police convoys embarking on numerous patrols around the area and helicopters continually circling. On the scene, Moneyweb estimated that the police presence included at least 50 vehicles, helicopters and hundreds of policemen surrounding the area where an estimated 500 armed strikers have taken up camp.

Asked whether an ultimatum won't result in violence flaring up again, Mokwena said that management's actions needs to support the work of the police. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has told its members not to return to work until they receive the green safety light from police, MineWeb reports.

No new incidents of violence were reported overnight. According to Fin24, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said that she was prepared to intervene to try and resolve the dispute. "It's quite clear it's rivalry between the two unions. If this matter continues we are going to be involved in the process of making sure we find peace," Shabangu said.

For more:

• MineWeb: Lonmin to issue ultimatum to workers on Wednesday

• Fin24: Shabagu to intervene to stop violence