The apartheid state and violence: What has the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found?

This article critically reviews the findings of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) with particular focus on the involvement of the state and security forces in covert operations in the apartheid era. The analysis draws on testimony by former leading pro-apartheid political, military and police leaders—as presented and then discussed in the open TRC hearings. It is concluded that there are a range of unanswered questions with regard to: the role of the 'Third Force' in the 1990s; the workings of intelligence structures; the level of state support for vigilantes; the strategy and tactics of the Inkatha Freedom Party; and, the extent of covert involvement in external operations.