This statement focuses on the high level of political violence in South Africa in 1991, particularly in the townships in Johannesburg, Natal and Cape Town. Reports of extrajudicial killings and attempted assassinations were frequent; many of these occured during attacks by armed members of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on ANC-supporting individuals and communities, such as those at Swannieville Camp, Khayelitsha and Bruntville townships. Amnesty International is disturbed by evidence pointing to the failure of the police to prevent such attacks or to investigate them. Cases are cited where police and military personnel appear to be directly responsible for killings; other cases indicate indirect responsibility and collusion with opponents of the ANC.
