S. Africa Keeps Pledge, Frees 5

Five South African activists were freed from detention without trial Friday as the government began implementing its part of a deal to end a prison hunger strike.

Restrictions were imposed on one of them, Trevor Manuel, 32, a founder and regional leader of the United Democratic Front. He was told to report to police twice a day and was restricted to his home every night, a lawyer said.

Lawyers representing some of the estimated 1,000 people held without trial under state of emergency rules said four other detainees were freed in Johannesburg.

Law and Order Minister Adriaan Vlok might authorize further releases by Monday, a spokesman said.