Twelve ANC supporters are killed in eSikhawini

Twelve ANC supporters are killed in an IFP attack on houses and hostels in eSikhawini. The political rivalry between the African National Congress (ANC) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) rose alarmingly in the Esikhaweni location in KwaZulu Natal in 1992. On 16 February the IFP called its supporters from all over the province to a gather in the eSikhawini stadium. Monitoring and Human Rights groups raised concerns regarding the likelihood of violence based on previous experience. They called upon the KwaZulu Natal Police (KZP), the South African Police (SAP) and the South African Defence Force (SADF) to adopt tight security measures. Nothing was done to disarm IFP supporters and stop attacks on the township's hostel, known to be an ANC stronghold. The SAP and SADF only intervened when hostel residents exchanged fire with IFP supporters who were assisted by the KZP members. Hostel residents were subsequently forced out of their rooms and 226 were arrested and charged with offences including public violence and illegal possession of arms. Sixteen people were killed in this incident. Read more about political violence in KwaZulu Natal. Read further information about the eSikhawini attacks in the Truth Comission Special Report.