This issue opens with the dramatic prison escape of ANC activists Alexander Moumbaris, Timothy Jenkin, and Stephen Lee from Pretoria Central Prison. It covers bannings of released political prisoners including Andrew Mashaba, Robben Island conditions, the banning of Lizo Pityana, trials of Ford workers in Port Elizabeth, detentions in South Africa, Transkei and Namibia, the sentencing of ANC guerrillas including James Mange (to death), and mass detentions under AG26 in Namibia. Additional topics include the closure of Robben Island, censorship, church campaigns for prisoner support, and appeals in multiple political trials.

This issue covers intensifying repression in Namibia, including the introduction of tighter security measures in Ovamboland and Kaokoland, SWAPO detentions, torture reports, amnesty rejections, and detailed accounts of atrocities. A centerpiece is the testimony of Lucia Hamutenya, former SWAPO Legal Secretary, who recounts her arrest, torture, and hallucinations in detention. The issue also addresses continued political trials in South Africa, Pretoria prison conditions for political detainees, calls to free Mandela, a list of over 500 political prisoners, execution statistics, and the deportation of missionaries and conscientious objectors. Developments in the 'homeland' policy in Namibia and the impact on representative authorities are also critically analyzed.

This issue of FOCUS documents incidents of violence, repression, and human rights abuses in Namibia during 1985, including acts of sabotage, attacks on civilians, and inquests into killings by South African forces. It includes reports on the extension of Security Districts, censorship, military operations, and the impact on civilians. The issue also provides subscription information and outlines the objectives of IDAF.

This issue documents the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of Bacela and nine others, including juveniles, in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It details the legal proceedings, sentences, subsequent appeal, and the suicide of Bacela Lulamile Maneli in prison. The issue also discusses the broader context of juveniles imprisoned for political reasons in South Africa and Namibia, and provides a list of sources and abbreviations used in reporting.

This issue of FOCUS covers labour disputes and union activities in Namibia during the first half of 1989, including strikes and negotiations involving NUNW affiliates such as NAPWU, NAFAU, MANWU, and MUN. It also reports on political prisoners, including ongoing detentions and legal proceedings. The publication provides context on the relationship between unions and SWAPO during the transition to independence, and includes a list of sources and abbreviations.

This issue of FOCUS reports on political trials, police repression, right-wing violence, and restrictions on freedom of assembly in South Africa during September-October 1990. It documents ongoing political trials, hunger strikes, police and army actions against protests, right-wing vigilante violence, and the legal and social context of state repression. Includes case studies, trial outcomes, and incidents of violence, as well as updates on legislation and the activities of unions and youth organizations.

This issue details escalating political repression across Southern Africa. It includes the Soweto uprising, Rhodesia’s curfews, civilian deaths, forced removals, summary justice via emergency courts, ANC surveillance, and SWAPO trials and executions. Also covers censorship, political detentions, and the enforcement of the Afrikaans language in schools. Notable legal developments and testimonies about torture and irregular trials are presented.

This issue of FOCUS reports on the executions of anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, the appeals for clemency, and the international response. It details the involvement of various organizations, the reactions of families, and the subsequent protests and police actions. The publication also outlines the objectives of IDAF and provides information about affiliated committees and the broader publications programme.

This article documents the secrecy surrounding executions in South Africa during late 1988, highlighting the lack of official information prior to executions and the reliance on newspaper reports by monitoring groups. It details the execution of eight men (with one granted a stay), discrepancies in official statistics on political death sentences, and the case of George Skosana. The article also covers several trials resulting in death sentences and lengthy prison terms for individuals involved in political unrest, including the Tumahole and PUTCO cases. The text references specific individuals, events, and sources, illustrating the broader context of political repression and the use of the death penalty.

This issue of FOCUS reports on the activities of UNITA in Angola and Namibia, including attacks on villages, infrastructure, and the laying of landmines. It details atrocities such as executions, public burnings, cattle rustling, killings, and kidnappings. The publication includes references to international responses and sources, and provides information about IDAF's mission and publishing activities.