11 die when the South African Defence Force (SADF) opens fire on negotiators in Sebokeng

The unbanning of the South African liberation movements on 2 February 1990 was an important milestone, which signalled a shift from being covert underground organisations to functioning as open party political structures. This transformation was the focus of the Groote Schuur and Pretoria talks, which discussed the removal of repressive apartheid measures, and the creation of a free political climate. However, even after the Pretoria minute was signed on 6 August 1990, violence erupted throughout the country. Figures states that between July 1990 and June 1991, over 2000 violent incidences occurred, which were often characterised by mass attacks by hostel dwellers on township communities, mostly in the Vaal/Reef area. One such incidence occurred on 4 September 1990, when the SADF opened fire on negotiators in Sebokeng. According to sources, fire was opened without warning on a group of people in a hostel. 11 people were killed and many injured. Despite judicial inquest, no trial took place at the time to reprimand the offenders. A previous violent attack had occurred in Sebokeng on 22 July 1990, when the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) was launched. This is said to have "opened the floodgates" for further violent attacks, such as those that later occurred at Boipatong in June 1992.