This issue of FOCUS reports on South African military aggression against Front Line States, particularly Angola, during late 1987 and early 1988. It details attacks, bombings, and cross-border operations, as well as the international response, including United Nations Security Council actions. The issue also provides a chronology of incidents in Southern Africa, subscription information, and outlines the objectives and international reach of IDAF.

This issue highlights South Africa's military presence in Angola, expanded powers of the Defence Force, and new legislation legalizing extraterritorial deployment. Reports include armed forces statistics, political trials (Bloem, Black Consciousness trial), banning orders, and 'protected' villages in Rhodesia. Includes a personal account by Winnie Mandela on political 'widows'.