In August 2012, tensions escalated between striking miners and police at the Lonmin Platinum mine in Marikana, located near Rustenburg, South Africa. The miners were engaged in a wage strike, demanding a significant increase in their monthly pay, citing dire living conditions and inadequate wages as their primary grievances. On the fateful day, a large group of miners gathered in a designated area to protest their working conditions and engage in negotiations. As the strike continued without resolution, police arrived to disperse the protestors. An extreme confrontation ensued, with police using live ammunition against the unarmed miners. The severe response from law enforcement resulted in the deaths of 34 miners and injured 78 others, raising questions about police tactics and the treatment of laborers in South Africa.This incident, now known as the Marikana Massacre, shocked the nation and drew international attention. It was seen as a reflection of deep-seated issues within the mining industry, including labor rights, economic disparity, and systemic inequality. In the aftermath, various investigations were launched, and the incident sparked a national debate on labor relations and the government's role in protecting the rights of workers. The strife highlighted the dire need for improved dialog between miners and management, as well as the necessity for police reform. Public outrage over the killings also contributed to a growing awareness of socioeconomic issues affecting many South Africans today.