This issue provides in-depth reports on executions of Zimbabwean nationalists, the SASO-BPC and Pretoria 12 trials in South Africa, deaths in detention, detentions and bannings, new apartheid legislation, protected villages, police violence, military occupation in Namibia, Rhodesian cross-border raids, and worsening health conditions in rural areas. Key trials include those of Robert Bhebe, Painos Zehama, and SWAPO activists. It also documents torture, forced removals, and mercenary use on white-owned farms.

This issue documents mass executions under Rhodesian martial law, including hangings and firing squad deaths; political trials and detentions in South Africa and Namibia; the torture of SWAPO official Axel Johannes; repression of election activity under Rhodesian martial law; starvation and violence in rural areas; cross-border military raids by South Africa into Angola and Zambia; and detailed lists of political prisoners, detainees, and court rulings. The issue also highlights the censorship of political prisoners, private armies in Zimbabwe, and the use of elections as political manipulation by the Rhodesian regime.

This issue details a new phase of military escalation in Namibia, including South African troop build-ups, air raids in Angola, martial law extensions, and mass detentions in Windhoek. It covers the repression in ‘Zimbabwe-Rhodesia,’ highlighting political trials, executions, the Mothopeng PAC trial, and press censorship. Key developments include the sentencing of PAC members, reports of sexual violence by security forces in protected villages, new appointments to suppress dissent, and the systematic use of curfews and detentions without trial.

This issue details the South African invasion of southern Angola, including town occupations, bombings, and destruction of infrastructure. It provides accounts of torture and abuse of SWAPO detainees, repression in Namibia under conscription, destruction of the Anglican seminary in Odibo, mass pass arrests in the Cape, increased military and police operations in urban areas, and ongoing political detentions and trials of trade unionists, students, and ANC members. Notably, testimonies of detainees, statistics on South African aggression in Angola, and reports on religious persecution and the expansion of South African military bases are included.

This issue of 'Focus' documents cross-border raids, abductions, and military operations conducted by South African forces in Botswana, Swaziland, and Mozambique during 1986. It includes detailed accounts of incidents involving civilian casualties, abductions of ANC members and foreign nationals, and diplomatic protests by affected governments. The publication also outlines threats against Mozambique and the expulsion demands for ANC members. Supplementary sections describe the objectives and international structure of IDAF, and provide a list of sources and abbreviations.

Issue 9 covers legislation protecting South African police from prosecution, increased executions in Rhodesia, death sentences from Special Courts, the SASO-BPC trial, detentions, Robben Island conditions, and deaths in detention (including Elmon Malele, Matthews Mabelane, and Samuel Malinga). The issue also reports on Rhodesian cross-border raids, student escapes to Botswana, repression in Namibia, and psychological warfare campaigns.