This issue reports on the trial of three SWAPO guerrillas in Namibia, with a legal challenge for prisoner-of-war status under the Geneva Conventions. Topics covered include the continued banning of Nathaniel Maxuilili, torture and detentions in northern Namibia, attacks on Angola, education boycotts, and widespread political trials in South Africa. The issue exposes security force abuses, displays of guerrilla corpses, school protest crackdowns, press censorship, and trade union repression. It also covers the new IDAF constitution and the continued use of solitary confinement and psychological torture against detainees such as Neil Aggett. Legal cases include Barbara Hogan, Oscar Mpetha, and SWAPO youth leaders, among many others.

Issue 45 provides detailed accounts of repression through tightened pass laws, the criminalisation of residency, and the use of state security forces to restrict African movement and employment. The issue features an obituary tribute to Canon John Collins and reports on mass detentions, child imprisonment, police violence, and political trials of ANC and SWAPO members. It also includes updates on union suppression, school and student protests, the Maseru Raid, Namibia detentions, and Angola incursions. A full review of the 1982 armed struggle is included, with statistical breakdowns of sabotage operations, and evidence of state disinformation regarding guerrilla activity. Ciskei repression and its 'Sword of the Nation' squad are also featured.

This issue of FOCUS documents the establishment of site-and-service schemes for squatters in the Transvaal, ongoing demolitions of squatter camps, and the implementation of harsh new laws such as the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Amendment Bill in 1988. It provides detailed accounts of forced removals in areas such as Lawaai kamp (near George), Oukasie (Brits), Durban, the East Rand, and the Eastern Cape. The publication also outlines the objectives of IDAF and lists its international affiliates. Sources include South African and international newspapers and legal resources.

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 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 Rhodesian cross-border military raids into Mozambique and Botswana, the escalation of warfare, and border violations. It also provides updates on detainees, political trials in South Africa and Rhodesia, repression in Namibia, and deaths in detention. Extensive coverage is given to attacks on ANC and Black Consciousness activists, the SASO-BPC trial convictions, and the acquittal of white NUSAS-linked activists. Lists of detainees, descriptions of torture, censorship, and abuses of the Terrorism Act are included.

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.

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.

This issue highlights the violent police raids on Crossroads squatter camp, political trials including the Mothopeng and SASM 11 cases, detention of activists, the death of Lungile Tabalaza, and the publication of IDAF's 'Prisoners of Apartheid'. The issue also covers South Africa’s intensified legal repression, martial law expansion in Rhodesia, repression in Ciskei and Venda, deportations, and the death of student activist Johannes Matsobane.

This issue reports on the Namibian uranium mine strike at Rossing, widespread repression in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), the January 1979 South African banning orders, SWAPO detentions, sabotage trials, torture allegations, deportations of clergy, and the sham elections in Namibia. Includes coverage of the Law and Order Act, military courts in Rhodesia, ANC prisoners in Khami, and intensified student resistance to African military call-ups.