This Day in History: 1 February 1994
On 1 February 1994 President F.W. de Klerk announced the withdrawal of the Internal Stability Units (ISU) from the East Rand townships of Kathlehong and Thokoza. They were replaced by the South African Defence Force (SADF). ISU was the most unpopular and controversial "specialised" unit within the police force and this had resulted in a constant outcry from the communities and political organisations.
Many black communities raised their unhappiness with the manner in which the ISU handled most cases referred to it. There had been allegations of rough treatment and misconduct levelled at the ISU. The interaction between the ISU and the community had been characterised by mistrust and confrontation. This also contributed to a further weakening in police relations with the community at a local level.
The police at local police stations had often been held responsible for the actions of the ISU. This situation had, in many cases diluted the role of the police in these societies. Consequently some police stations reacted by requesting the ISU to report to them before it carried out its operations and after it had completed these operations.
In Aliwal North the Police Reporting Officer had liaised with the South African Police (SAP) about the matter. The SAP approved the withdrawal of the ISU from the Aliwal North area that same day.sociation of Black Journalists. She became the first woman on the African continent to receive this award.
