This Day in History: 23 October 1984
A combined force of seven thousand South African Defence Force (SADF) troops and the South African Police (SAP) sealed off the Vaal Triangle townships of Sebokeng, Sharpeville and Boipatong. They carried out house-to-house searches, arresting 358 people, some of who were immediately charged in special courts. The purpose was to eliminate criminal elements and intimidating forces from the townships.