3,000 Reported Detained in South Africa

Two separate authorities announced today that about 3,000 people were detained in the first days of the week-old state of emergency. The government has not disclosed the number held.

Oliver Tambo, head of the outlawed African National Congress, which is fighting to end white domination in South Africa, said in Geneva that “sources in Johannesburg” indicated at least 3,000 people were detained in the first three days of the state of emergency.

In New York, the Rev. Joan Campbell, executive director of the United States office of the World Council of Churches, said her group estimates that 2,000 people were detained in the first 48 hours after the state of emergency was declared and at least 1,000 more in the next day and a half.

The state Bureau for Information said today three more blacks have been killed, all by fellow blacks. The deaths brought to 48 the official toll since the state of emergency began June 12.

Strike Gains Strength

Meanwhile, a strike against dozens of branches of major chain stores gained strength in its second day, with several thousand black workers joining the protests over the detentions of labor leaders under the state of emergency.

In Johannesburg, black workers--mainly packers, store men and drivers--staged sit-down strikes against at least 50 outlets belonging to six big chain stores. The strikes were concentrated in Johannesburg and nearby gold-mining centers.