Activities of a third force were first referred to in 1990 when the term was used publicly by leaders of the ANC including Nelson Mandela. Since 1994, more evidence confirmed the existence of independent units and others in the SAP and SADF. The SA government denied third force activities. This was contradicted in the evidence at trials such as those of Eugene de Kock and Magnus Malan. Covert organisations included Vlakplaas, state-sponsored hit squads and dirty tricks organisations such as the Defence Forces Civil Co-operation Bureau (CCB) and Military Intelligences Directorate of Covert Collection. There was and a cross-pollination of staff between these organisations.

The material covers the trials of two men involved in the above activities. Eugene de Kock led a notorious death squad operating from Vlakplaas and Malan, as Defence Minister and political boss of the SA Defence Force and the CCB, was aware of the covert activities of both organs.