The incidence of political violence escalated during the 1970s and 1990s. The liberation movements had gone underground with their banning. The state enacted legislation to prevent protest by civil society and exerted its authority through the use of the army and police force, which often led to violent confrontations. The covert activities of state security resulted in assassination attempts and confrontations. These and other factors contributed to a violent society.

Subjects include police, kitskonstabels, defence force, Civil Co-operation Bureau, ANC, APLA, third force, trials, sexual violence, weapons, taxi violence, train violence, self-defence units and church.

The material dates from 1972 to 2001. Dates refer to the dates on the material.

Unpublished material may not be quoted without the permission of the author.

The three main categories of material are:

Clippings consist of popular newspaper and magazine articles.

Documents include organisational newsletters, Hansard extracts, published and unpublished reports, Amnesty International press alerts and notes.

Publications include government issues of tourist and investment brochures, conference and study papers, publications issued by non-governmental and political groups, copies of legislation, handbooks, publications from international, anti-apartheid organisations and churches.