Mandela Assails White Politicians, Police

KATLEHONG, South Africa — African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela lashed out at white politicians and police Thursday and appealed for black unity to end violence that has killed more than 130 blacks this week.

In a speech that was unusually militant, Mandela accused most whites in the government and security forces of caring nothing for blacks.

“It’s as if flies have died,” he said of the white government’s reaction to the deaths of blacks in township violence.

The speech at a Katlehong sports stadium appeared aimed at winning over young township blacks, who have accused the ANC of being too moderate in its negotiations with the government.

But Mandela also accused blacks, including his ANC followers, of killing innocent people. He said Zulus associated with the rival Inkatha Freedom Party could not be blamed for all the township attacks.

“It is true many are taking part in this violence, but let me assure you, there are some who do not want to be associated with violence,” he told about 10,000 supporters in this battle-worn township. “It’s our task to give them a shoulder on which to lean.”