Bophuthatswana drops squatting charges against Bosplaas residents

The 'homeland' government of Bophuthatswana under the presidency of Chief Lucas Mangope decides to withdraw its squatting charges against the Bosplaas residents, indicating possible political settlement between them. The Bosplaas residents were arrested for squatting under the Land Control Act of 1983, which made squatting illegal for people without Bophuthatswana residence permits or identity books. This law was a strategy applied by the Bophuthatswana government to make people recognise its 'independence' from South Africa. Though the charges were dropped, the Bophuthatswana police continued to arrest and intimidate this squatter community.