Mpumalanga attacks

Explanation
The Mpumalanga area, near Hammarsdale, Natal, was torn by violent political conflict between UDF and Inkatha supporters from 1986 onwards, after approximately 15 to 20 Caprivi trainees were installed as members of the KwaZulu Police in the area. The trainees never underwent any KZP training or followed proper admissions procedures, not even filling in KZP application forms. They were issued with KZP appointment certificates and with official police firearms. Under the guise of being official law enforcement agents, they engaged in large-scale hit squad activity in the area for the next two years, directing their attacks against those perceived to support the UDF and ANC. During 1989 about 1000 homes were badly damaged or destroyed in the violence that devastated Mpumalanga, leaving many dead and thousands homeless. Approximately 54 people died in political conflict between 1 November and 10 December 1989. Violence erupted again in the area in February 1990 following the unbanning of political organisations and the release of Nelson Mandela, resulting in the deaths of ten people in seven days, including a member of the SAP.