ZULU TEAT OF ARMS BAN THREATENS S. AFRICAN TALKS

South African police said yesterday they were studying evidence of lawbreaking by Zulu leaders following a mass march by armed warriors through central Johannesburg.

A senior source in the ruling National Party said laying charges against Zulu leaders could damage South Africa's fragile peace process.

About 15,000 Zulus armed with traditional spears, clubs, and war axes marched Saturday in defiance of a ban on carrying dangerous weapons.

Led by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Zulus were protesting a Sept. 26 peace accord between President Frederick de Klerk and African National Congress President Nelson Mandela that bans all dangerous weapons, including the so-called traditional weapons.

By pressing the charges, the government would risk a further deterioration in its relationship with Mr. Buthelezi.