JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Anglo American Platinum says nine South African miners were injured when its guards opened fire with rubber bullets to stop a fight between rival unions.
A statement from the company says clashes started Monday when members of the long-established National Union of Mineworkers fought with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union. The company said three security guards suffered minor injuries and all those injured received medical treatment.
Police spokesman Brig. Thulani Ngubane confirmed the altercation took place, but said he had no other details.
The rivalry between the two unions led to violent and prolonged strikes last year that killed scores of people at a Lonmin PLC platinum mine, culminating in the police shooting of 34 strikers that shocked the nation.
