17 Killed in Assault After Peace Rally
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PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa — Gunmen killed at least 17 people when they ambushed two buses carrying villagers home from a peace rally, jeopardizing a fragile accord reached last month by rival anti-apartheid leaders Nelson Mandela and Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Police and witnesses said the buses, carrying supporters of Buthelezi’s Inkatha movement, were attacked Sunday night at Sweetwaters in Natal province, scene of many battles between Inkatha loyalists and members of Mandela’s African National Congress.
The buses were forced to stop at barricades straddling a country road, and gunmen unleashed a hail of bullets at passengers.
“When passengers alighted to remove the barricades, they were shot and hacked with sharp instruments,” a witness said.
More than 40 people have been killed since Mandela and Buthelezi signed a peace accord Jan. 29 urging their supporters to lay down arms.
Police sent in reinforcements to guard against a revenge attack.
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