Malebane Metsing stages a coup in Bophuthatswana

A dissatisfied faction of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force and some members of the National Executive Committee of the People's Progressive Party, led by Rocky Malebane Metsing, attempted to overthrow the government of Chief Lucas Manyane Mangope. Mangope was held hostage for at least fifteen hours in Kemonosi Stadium. Metsing issued an instruction not to spill unnecessary blood while executing the coup. He further requested the then S.A. State President P.W. Botha and the S.A. ambassador in Bophuthatswana not to interfere. His request was not granted as the S.A. Defence Force moved in to return Mangope to power. Five people died and one person was injured during events that followed.

After the failed coup Malebane fled the country and joined the African National Congress (ANC). He successfully applied to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for amnesty.