South Africans are preparing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, which is remembered as one of the bloodiest moments of the liberation struggle. <br/> <br/>On this day in 1960 South African police gunned down unarmed people protesting against apartheid laws in Sharpeville township, 50km south of Johannesburg. <br/> <br/>Sixty-nine people died and at least 180 were injured – many shot in the back as they were trying to flee the scene. <br/> <br/>The dead will be honoured as part of Human Rights Day, with church services, laying of wreaths, and a speech by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.<br/>