Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 21, 1993 TAG: 9308210036
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: BRASILIA, BRAZIL LENGTH: Short
Authorities were searching for Joao Neto, a rancher believed to have financed the miners who took part in the slaying of more than 30 Yanomami Indians, members of one of the largest and last Stone Age tribes.
Thousands of prospectors have invaded the tribe's 37,000 square-mile traditional territory since 1987, seeking gold, diamonds, tin and other minerals despite government efforts to expel them.
Investigators of the government's National Indian Foundation say about 15 miners ambushed the Homoxi-Itu village Tuesday after luring the Yanomami from two "malocas," or communal huts, with rice and sugar.
The miners opened fire with shotguns, then charged the malocas, stabbing to death women and more than 10 children, said Wilke Celio da Silva, a Yanomami expert for the foundation who visited the village on Thursday.
- Associated Press
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB