Claims frequently made by South African military officials that SWAPO's guerilla activities are ineffective and are being contained by the army have been directly countered by evidence of deep concern among senior army personnel at SWAPO's success and widespread support. The creation of a new 'crack unit' to counter PLAN actions in the white farming regions underlines this apparent concern.
Evidence that South African military counter-intelligence officers are worried about the effectiveness of PLAN operations and the wide spread of SWAPO's information network, was revealed in the secret minutes of a two-day conference of counter-intelligence officers in Windhoek in May 1984. The minutes acknowledged that SWAPO is 'organised on a wide terrain on different levels and possesses the infrastructure to collect information over a wide spectrum'. They also accepted that SWAPO possesses 'valuable sabotage equipment' and that 'sabotage by SWAPO and other left and right wing groups is constantly occurring'. A list of institutions and bodies allegedly 'used' by SWAPO was included in the minutes, listing amongst others the Windhoek Observer, the International Red Cross, the Council of Churches in Namibia and the foreign press and media.
The growing disaffection among South African army recruits was described as 'disturbing', in particular the damaging of military equipment by military personnel which could indicate sabotage. The 'negative attitude' of certain conscripts was noted in this context, as was the increasing use of marijuana and drugs.
The 10 page secret document obtained by SWAPO, extracts of which were published in the London Observer, listed as a particular threat the 'careless handling of, and inefficient control over classified documents and information' (Obs. 9.9.84).
A new unit, consisting of about 40 members, has been created by the SWA Territory Force, according to a statement issued by SWATF headquarters. Described as a 'crack unit', it consists of SWATF members who have received specialist training in tracking down and killing PLAN guerillas in the white farming region in the central part of Namibia. A SWATF spokesman said the unit would be permanent component of the armed forces and might be enlarged. He denied any similar to other units such as Koevoet, which has been responsible for numerous brutalities and killings of civilians (Argus 17.7.84).
HUNGER STRIKE Seven long-term prisoners in Windhoek Central Prison were reported to have embarked on hunger strike on 23 August. Newspapers were prohibited from publishing the prisoner names in terms of the Prisons Act, but were told by the Commissioner of Prisons that seven were well-known political prisoners including captured and sentenced SWAPO guerillas. They were believed to be protesting about the poor quality of food, although this was not confirmed by the prison authorities.
The prisoners ended their hunger strike on 31 August: No information was released as to whether their complaints had been dealt with (RDM 29.8.84, 1.9.84; WA 5.9.84).
