File:Cassinga Victims.PNG

Scores of South-West African exiles, killed at Cassinga, Angola (Objective Vietnam), by South African paratroops during the Namibian War of Independence.

Description below extracted from the [www.swapoparty.org/cassinga.html Cassinga - A Day Namibians will never forget], an official version of the incident maintained by the South West African People's Organization:

''On the day of the attack, dead bodies were scattered all over the place, as the wounded ones screamed helplessly in agonizing pain. Some died as they tried to cross the river. About 500 South African Defence Force ground troops descended on Cassinga shortly after the aerial bombings, mercilessly bayoneting to death the wounded ones.''

"Although many years have passed, our hearts remain filled with vivid memories of the loss of lives, injuries, as well as the physical and emotional trauma suffered by our people on that fateful day," said President Hifikepunye Pohamba when he addressed the nation at the UN Plaza in Windhoek last Saturday.

''Cassinga was a settlement given to SWAPO by the government of Angola to register and house thousands of refugees who were fleeing their country. The camp was organized in a manner that facilitated orderly day to day administration. There were classes and a clinic, complete with nurses and paramedics.''

This image is one of the most enduring in Namibian history and continues to be annually displayed by official sources on Cassinga Day. It has been the subject of widespread exhibition and debate in Namibia, South Africa, and various socialist countries where it has seen widespread circulation.