The political violence and vigilante activities characteristic of KwaZulu-Natal between 1985 and 1994, took place due to numerous reasons. The formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1983 contributed immensely to the rise of vigilantism and political violence. The formation of the Congress of the South African Trade Union (COSATU) in 1985 made matters even worse. The two organizations were regarded as sympathisers of the African National Congress (ANC), which was still banned by the time of their formation; hence they were alleged to have the same objectives as the ANC. During this time, the leadership of KwaZulu-Natal homeland was in the hands of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), who regarded the formation of the UDF and COSATU in 1985 as a challenge to the hegemony of the IFP in that region. Another aspect was the lifting of the state of emergency in 1986, which intensified political violence and vigilante activities.

The accusation labelled against the South African Government as being involved in acts of violence in KwaZulu-Natal, caused them major embarrassment, since they were supposed to be combating violence and vigilantism. The Government was furthermore accused of having sent IFP troops to the Caprivi in Namibia, for training in guerrilla combat. The Government later acknowledged this, explaining that the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature needed specially trained forces for its officials. Those forces ultimately intensified violence and vigilante activities in KwaZulu-Natal.

The unbanning of political parties and the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 saw KwaZulu-Natal entering a new phase of random vigilante activities and violence. The security forces (the South African Police and the South African Defence Force) were accused of supporting IFP vigilantes. The threat by the international community and the Organisation of African Unity that sanctions should be brought against the South African Government for its failure to handle the KwaZulu-Natal situation, did not yield any results, and the violence continued.

The announcement that the first fully general election in South Africa was to be held in 1994 seemed to have triggered more violence in KwaZulu-Natal. Socially and economically, the region was still going to experience problems for years to come. Investors moved their businesses elsewhere. People lost their lives. All efforts to put an end to the violence and vigilantism failed, due to an allegation that a third force was hampering everything. It could be said that the failure of various stakeholders to reach a compromise on the whole issue of vigilante activities and violence in KwaZulu-Natal, have put a serious burden on the development of the region and its people.