Politics and religion are two topics I try to avoid, but one cannot ignore the horrific events unfolding in South Africa, a country considered by many foreigners to be 'Africa's last hope.'
For those interested, this seems to be the most popular (but, not necessarily accurate) source.
What I find interesting is that many of the protesters can be seen in photos carrying weapons. While Joseph Mathunjwa, president of AMCU, was quoted as saying, "We're going nowhere... If need be, we're prepared to die here."
Both of these may be seen as threatening gestures. This graphic video shows that the police may have been intimidated by the number approaching protesters.
There are claims of live ammunition being fired towards the police by the oncoming protesters, but I feel that this may have been unlikely and nothing more than some sensational journalism.
It is worrying that these events are occurring, but maybe it is an eye-opener to the fact that not everything in South Africa is as hunky-dory as it seems. Hopefully this situation can be resolved without any further unnecessary bloodshed.
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This last point may seem rather cold and callous, especially considering the number of mortalities arising from the massacre, but when you claim that you're prepared to die for your cause, don't get upset when those opposing you are actually prepared to shoot-to-kill.
