Negotiators trying to resolve hostage drama

Hundreds of temporary mineworkers were holding seven supervisors hostage underground demanding permanent employment at the mine. Initially police reported there were only four hostages but later confirmed eight, one of whom managed to escape during the night.

Police were unable to say how he escaped. "He hasn't spoken to us yet," Superintendent Lesego Metsi said. "He is traumatised and we are trying to get some counselling for him."

He had no physical injuries. Police said they hoped to resolve the situation by Friday afternoon, describing the atmosphere at the Crocodile River mine as "tense".

Mine authorities, the explosives unit and other specialised units were at the scene. "And negotiators are trying their best to speak with the hostage takers," said Metsi.

The hostage takers were believed to be using mining equipment as weapons.

Metsi said details of what was happening underground were a bit sketchy, but he confirmed no one had been injured.