Three Burned to Death in Soweto; 10 Blacks Jailed

Three people were burned to death in Soweto township, and a soldier was shot at another black township, the government said Friday.

The South African Broadcasting Corp. reported that 10 blacks were arrested Friday in connection with New Year’s Day fighting and looting on beaches at the Indian Ocean city of Durban.

Three people were in satisfactory condition at Addington Hospital after being hit by police birdshot at the beaches Thursday, said a hospital official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Nine people, including four with birdshot wounds, were treated and released, the official said.

The South African Broadcasting Corp. report said the injured included a policeman who was stabbed. Durban Mayor Stan Langa was quoted as saying buildings and public facilities on the beachfront were extensively damaged.

Daylong Beach Clashes

Witnesses said about 500 blacks and 100 Indians were involved in daylong clashes at two adjoining beaches Thursday. The crowds surged back and forth along the beaches, and the reason for the fighting was not known.

The Durban beaches were quiet Friday. Police said they set up additional stations along the beaches, deployed more officers and added helicopter controls. Authorities said the new measures will remain in effect through the weekend.

In Johannesburg’s black township of Soweto, 20 blacks set on fire a 50-year-old black man and a 30-year-old woman who lived in his house, the Bureau for Information said in its report on unrest that occurred Thursday.

Woman Attacked, Burned

A crowd of 90 people attacked and burned a 44-year-old black woman in White City, one of the poorest sections of Soweto, the bureau said. There was no report of arrests and no indication of motive.