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.

This issue covers political trials, mass arrests, detentions, and state violence in South Africa, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), and Namibia. In Zimbabwe, the internal settlement and continued guerilla warfare, political executions, and detainee releases are detailed. In Namibia, following the assassination of Chief Clemens Kapuuo, numerous SWAPO leaders were detained, armed clashes occurred, and new emergency laws were enacted. In South Africa, major ANC trials (including the Pretoria Twelve), the sentencing of Solomon Mahlangu, and police torture are reported. Other topics include labour unrest, teacher strikes, apartheid legislation, and education repression.