Magnus Malan

Malan was appointed Chief of the South African Defence Force (SADF). He oversaw the military's expansion and its involvement in the Border War in Angola and Namibia, as well as operations to destabilize neighboring countries.

Malan was appointed Minister of Defence in P.W. Botha's government. He oversaw the SADF's operations, including cross-border raids into neighboring countries, and the implementation of the 'total strategy' to counter the anti-apartheid movement.

Under Malan's leadership, the SADF conducted cross-border raids into Angola, Mozambique, and Lesotho, targeting ANC bases and infrastructure. These operations aimed to disrupt the armed struggle but also caused civilian casualties and regional instability.

Malan was involved in the negotiation of the Nkomati Accord, a non-aggression pact between South Africa and Mozambique. The accord required both sides to stop supporting each other's armed opponents, but South Africa later violated it.

Malan was charged with murder and conspiracy in connection with the 1987 killing of 13 people, including women and children, in KwaMakhutha. He was acquitted in 1996, but the trial highlighted the SADF's involvement in human rights abuses.