South Africa: Farm workers' protests turn violent

[January 10, 2013]  JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Striking farm workers in South Africa have clashed with police for a second day during protests for higher wages.

The South African Press Association says police on Thursday fired rubber bullets at rock-throwing demonstrators in the town of De Doorns in Western Cape province, and protests were occurring in at least two other towns.

The news agency cited an agricultural workers' union as saying nine people have been injured by rubber bullets since the strike started on Wednesday.

The protesters want their daily wages to be more than doubled to 150 South African rand ($17.50). Vineyards in the province are key to South Africa's wine industry; laborers also work on apple and other fruit farms.

Last year, at least two people died in similar protests in the area.

[Associated Press]

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