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 covers the emergence of 'private armies' in Rhodesia following the internal settlement, including reports of guerilla activity, auxiliary forces, and repression. Topics include the Elim Mission massacre, security force abuses, wage disparities, police shootings of miners, numerous political trials and executions, including the death sentence of Solomon Mahlangu. Also covered are detainee lists, deaths in detention (including Lungile Tabalaza), torture allegations, and forced deportations of Roman Catholic clergy.

This issue documents the South African raid on ANC residences in Matola, Mozambique, killing 15 people, including ANC and SACTU members. It reports widespread detentions, school boycotts, union crackdowns, and new censorship laws. It includes a testimony from SWAPO's Axel Johannes detailing 15 months of solitary detention under Proclamation AG26. Key events include the banning of six journalists, mass opposition to conscription in Namibia, accounts of torture, detentions of AZAPO members, the death of Jonas Shimuefeleni on Robben Island, and the escape of Kassinga detainees. The issue underscores militarization in Namibia, legal mechanisms used for indefinite detention, and state suppression of media and civil liberties.

This issue documents the massive state security operation during anti-Republic Day protests, widespread student and labor detentions, guerilla actions by the ANC, and extensive trials under apartheid-era laws. Major topics include detentions of COSAS members, SAAWU and AZAPO activists, Robben Island releases, union suppression, and forced removals. It contains full trial listings, bans and restrictions, Namibia militarization, Kassinga anniversary, and a historical review of 20 years of repression since the Republic’s founding. The issue also exposes systemic use of torture, curfews, censorship, rape by soldiers, and the conscription system in Namibia.

This issue of FOCUS reports on increased aggression by the South African apartheid regime against neighboring Southern African countries, including Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland, following threats from the South African State Security Council. It details incidents of cross-border raids, military build-ups, and political developments in the region during late 1985 and early 1986. The publication includes updates on the activities of the ANC, SWAPO, and South African surrogate forces, as well as responses from affected governments. The issue also contains subscription information and a statement of IDAF's objectives.

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.