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 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.