Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 29, 1994 TAG: 9403290013
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA NOTE: LEDE LENGTH: Medium
Gunfire echoed off skyscrapers and shattered windows around a park near city hall where thousands of Zulus carrying spears rallied to protest the all-race election next month. Several blocks away, guards from the rival African National Congress fired on more Zulus outside the ANC offices.
Leaders of the ANC and the Zulu-dominated Inkatha Freedom Party accused each other of starting the violence.
People sprawled in the dirt and under cars, cowered behind pillars and trampled each other trying to escape the shooting. Blood stained streets and sidewalks in at least three areas. Hospitals reported more than 200 wounded.
Law and Order Minister Hernus Kriel declared central Johannesburg and 10 surrounding districts "unrest areas," giving police wide powers to control political gatherings and quell unrest.
Late Monday, leaders of the main political parties were trying to arrange a summit between President F.W. de Klerk, ANC leader Nelson Mandela, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and Inkatha leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi. They were expected to meet later this week to confront the worsening crisis over Zulu demands for autonomy after the April 26-28 election.
The ANC is expected to win the vote easily, an outcome that Zulus say will lead to the demise of the Zulu culture. The ANC rejects Zulu demands for a separate homeland, saying the country's racial and ethnic groups must learn to live together after generations of segregation under apartheid.
Political violence has soared, particularly in Natal Province, which includes the Zulu homeland of KwaZulu.
ANC leaders are demanding that troops of the white-minority government take over KwaZulu to ensure the election can proceed. Soldiers recently seized control in two other black homelands.
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB