Nangalembe night vigil massacre

Explanation
On 12 January 1991, 45 people were killed by members of the Khetisi Kheswa gang at a night vigil for ANCYL member Christopher Nangalembe. Gang members had been responsible for killing Mr Nangalembe on 5 January in political conflict that stemmed from the appearance of gang leader Khetisi Kheswa before a 'people's court', which included Mr Nangalembe, at which Kheswa was called to account for the death of a young woman and other crimes. In the attack on the night vigil, gang members opened fire and lobbed hand grenades at the gathered mourners. Eleven gang members, including Khetisi Kheswa, were acquitted of charges relating to the attack, due to lack of evidence. The attack precipitated the formation of ANC self-defence units (SDUs) in the Vaal area.