South African police open fire on striking miners – in pictures

Police open fire on striking workers at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Protesting miners try to avoid the police Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Police open fire on the miners Photograph: AP A miner runs for cover Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Miners throw stones at the police Photograph: AP Police react after firing at the miners Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters A policeman gestures in front of the bodies of miners Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters It was claimed that as many as 18 people may have been killed Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Police surround the bodies of miners on the ground Photograph: AP A paramedic and policewoman tend to the wounded Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters