Madagascar: 67 alleged cattle rustlers killed

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – Madagascar's police chief says villagers attacked by cattle rustlers turned on the alleged thieves and killed 67 of them.

Gen. Bruno Razafindrakoto told The Associated Press that about 100 cattle thieves on Friday attacked three villages near Fort-Dapuhin, more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Antananarivo, the capital of this Indian Ocean island.

He said villagers armed with axes, spears and machetes "defended their belongings" and killed at least 67 of the attackers.

Razafindrakoto said Monday that he has opened an investigation.