Langa shootings

Explanation
On 21 March 1985, members of the SAP in Langa, Uitenhage, Cape, opened fire on mourners marching to the prohibited funeral of four of six youths killed by the police. At least 20 people were killed by police in this incident and many others were injured. Police patrols had been issued with heavy ammunition following a decision on 14 March to take stronger measures to restore order in a situation of rapidly escalating public unrest, particularly after the killing of the six youths. The police had obtained two orders restricting the funeral of four of the youths, resulting in a confusion over the dates on which the funeral was to be held. On 21 March 1985, a large group of people from Langa township began to march to KwaNobuhle to attend the funeral. The police blocked the road into the centre of Uitenhage with two armoured vehicles and ordered the crowd to disperse. When the crowd failed to comply immediately, police opened fire, fatally shooting 20 people. At least 27 other people were wounded.