ANC members shot after SA rally

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Three members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), including a member of the Zulu royal family, have been shot in South Africa.

Violence erupted between supporters of the ANC and the opposition Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal after both parties held rallies on Sunday.

The IFP has denied responsibility for the shootings, which it has condemned.

The violence comes months ahead of general elections, seen as the least predictable since the end of apartheid.

ANC leader Jacob Zuma is facing corruption charges and ANC officials opposed to his leadership have formed a breakaway party.

Thousands of people were killed in the early 1990s, in clashes between the ANC and the IFP for control of KwaZulu-Natal.

'Tolerance'

Both parties held rallies in the town of Nongoma on Sunday and busses carrying ANC members were pelted with stones, local media reported.

One woman was critically wounded in the shooting and had to be flown to hospital in Durban.

Another victim of the shooting was named by police as a member of the Zulu royal family, Prince Zeblon Zulu.

His car was shot at as he left the rally, wounding him in the hand, the South African Press Association reported.

The other people injured were women driving in a car behind his.

The ANC has condemned the violence.

Hours before the rally Mr Zuma called for "political tolerance" between the parties.

IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said he was opposed to the violence.

"I believe the people of this country will resolve their problems through negotiations," he said at a rally on Sunday.

Mr Zuma is a Zulu and he is hoping to gain ground in the Zulu heartland in the elections due in March or April.