First Confrontation Between PLAN and the Apartheid Security Forces
On 26 August 1966, the South West African Liberation Army (SWALA), the predecessor to the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), the armed wing of South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO), fought a serious battle against the apartheid South African occupying forces at Omugulugwombashe (aka Ongulumbashe), in northern Namibia.
It all began in September 1965, when SWALA established its first training camp on South West African soil, at Omugulugwombashe, to recruit and drill more guerrillas. During that time, SWALA numbered only about 250 personnel, most of whom were still undergoing training at Kongwa. The guerrillas at Omugulugwombashe, under the command of Johannes Nankudhu (aka “Johnny Otto”) succeeded in recruiting only about 30 locals before the location of their camp was reported to the apartheid South African Police (SAP).
Three policemen discreetly visited the site on 23 August 1966, and confirmed that the guerrillas were there. They then requested military assistance, and the apartheid South African Defence Force (SADF) was able to mobilise a section of paratroops to attack the camp. 130 paramilitary officers of the apartheid SAP’s Reaction Unit were also flown into the area for the raid. The attack commenced on 26 August 1966, with the apartheid forces abseiling into the camp from eight SADF Alouette III helicopters, which were on loan to the apartheid police.
The camp
