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Wie is ons? / Who are we? We are an informal group of police and defence veterans as well as civilian researchers who would like to
foster an interest in South Africa’s police, defence and national security history from 1652 with cut-off-
date 1994; when the new South Africa came into being.
As veterans we only tell and explain what we did; for we were the “on the spot” eyewitnesses! In fact we
are the ones you saw on TV and in the news reels of the time following orders from parliament. However
we have to debate the incidents because our memory is fallible as we grow older. In the terms of the day
"we earned the T-shirt and right to tell our stories for you to enjoy with malice towards none." We all can
learn from the past.
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Revival of the “Old” Nongqai
We have attempted to revive the spirit of the old “Nongqai” – to conserve our southern Africa national
security history. We also pay homage to our departed comrades.
There is no longer a SA Police Force Museum Since 1652, the date from which we kept records, the records show that policing in southern Africa was
relatively good! Bad apples were kicked out. Later we got Inspector King from the UK. Our first detectives
were not bad either, taking into consideration the limited forensic assistance available. We are attempting
to conserve and preserve our national security history. So much is owed to so few – those few who
formed a dotted line between peace and total anarchy.
Administration We are mainly a “one-man-show”, so if we do not respond immediately to your email – please send a
reminder to [email protected] or phone Hennie Heymans at 012-329-4229.
We were “fighters” and not “writers”. We are very good “clerks”. History is such an all absorbing subject;
we have do much reading, research, scanning, liaison and other tasks - so sometimes we tend to forget,
however that’s one of the ‘bonuses or plights’ when we get old.
We also need knowledgeable persons for our website which is a virtual museum and archive.
There is also a vacancy for a Honorary Blog Master; and a
Honorary Graphic artist.
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Legalities This publication is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in policing/ national
security or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Readers should take legal, medical and/or other advice
before applying the information contained in this publication to specific issues or transactions.
The Nongqai contains various and sundry personal opinions of different correspondents and neither the
compiler of the Nongqai nor the Nongqai will be held responsible for any of their comments which is
entirely their own and not necessarily that of eNongqai or its publishers.
Contents Wie is ons? / Who are we? ......................................................................................................................... 2
Revival of the “Old” Nongqai ...................................................................................................................... 3
There is no longer a SA Police Force Museum .......................................................................................... 3
Administration ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Legalities .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Contents ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Durban: Black Sash ................................................................................................................................ 6
Durban Sentraal ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Kaapstad / Cape Town ............................................................................................................................... 9
Torch Commando? ................................................................................................................................. 9
Black Sash ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Protest at Parliament ............................................................................................................................ 11
Old Rondebosch Police Station ............................................................................................................ 12
Bellville: Col Engelbrecht & Col Louwrens ............................................................................................ 13
Cape Town: Police Convoy ................................................................................................................... 14
Cape Town Central: Col van Zyl, Col Cerff, Col Van Lill & Maj Koos le Roux ....................................... 14
Old Wale Street Police Station .............................................................................................................. 15
Cape Town Central ............................................................................................................................... 16
Gen PJ Coetzee .................................................................................................................................... 17
Maj (later genl-maj) Floors Mostert ....................................................................................................... 18
Cape Town: Opening of Parliament ...................................................................................................... 19
Pretoria SAP Rugby .............................................................................................................................. 19
Alleged Police violence: Port Elizabeth ................................................................................................. 20
Veiligheidstaklede: WVK .......................................................................................................................... 21
Brig WF Schoon .................................................................................................................................... 21
Genl Johann Coetzee ........................................................................................................................... 22
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Katatura: SWA/Namibia ............................................................................................................................ 23
Koevoet ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Koevoet ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Young policeman in a cafe .................................................................................................................... 30
Slot ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
Thanks ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Contact details / kontakbesonderhede ..................................................................................................... 31
Greetings – Groete ................................................................................................................................... 31
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Durban: Black Sash
Stand at B.S.C. opening, City Hall, Durban http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6478 Comments by HBH: Right on the stage is Archbishop D Hurley.
Row of Black Sash members in stand, with Archbishop Denis Hurley. One woman holds a placard reading: "We stand in solidarity with detainees".
7
Durban Sentraal
Police wait on standby during the 1970s labour riots, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A18469 Comments by HBH: Addressing the police: Brig TM Bisschoff
Police dispersing strikers, South Africa,
8
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A18465
Three white policemen walk down a road in front of a local pharmacy in Central Durban, while a group of
local black people look on, 1973.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A18498/datastream/OBJ/view
SO ONTHOU EK ONS POLISIE-OFFISIERE! – SALUUT! - HBH
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Kaapstad / Cape Town
Torch Commando?
Bits of broken railing from the Groote Kerk were among a collection of missiles and weapons which the police say were used against them last night. Constable C. Bredenkamp (left) and Constable W.J. Botha are examining the assortment at Caledon Square today.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A16475
Scenes like this occurred in parts of the city last night when rioting broke out following the torchlight procession and protest meeting. Time and again the police made baton charges to disperse the mob which pelted them with bottles and stones.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A16471
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Black Sash
Special Branch photographer
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6496
Two members of the Black Sash standing in protest. They are supporting a placard which reads: "Swart Rivier, Fraserdale Blanke Groepsgebied Onregverdig". They are being photographed by a member of the Special Branch. Moira Henderson is on the left
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6494 http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/search/dc.title%3A%28Police%20Koevoet%20Special%20Branch%29
11
Protest at Parliament
Photograph of Cornelia Bullen-Smith (on left) and Beva Runciman, who chained themselves to the gates of Parliament in protest against the death of a child in detention. They are watched by three policemen.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6498 http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6499
Large group of Black Sash members holding a demonstration in front of the Cultural History Museum
(now Slave Lodge) at the top of Adderley Street, Cape Town. A horse-drawn carriage passes by.
Possibly at Opening of Parliament
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6490/datastream/OBJ/view
12
Old Rondebosch Police Station
The former Rondebosch Police Station, our auction choice for the week. This building housed
Rondebosch's police for 77 years, and is one of the oldest buildings in Rondebosch.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/collection/islandora-16629
One of the oldest buildings in Rondebosch - which has served as a police station for more than 70
years - is up for auction shortly. Built around 1880, it was originally a labourer's cottage on the old
Rozendaal wine estate, and later another storey was added. The building has served as a police
station since 1906 and represents the last of the old "cottage" police stations so prevalent in the
Peninsula until recent years. For this reason representations have been made to the Public Works
Department and National Monuments Council in order to get something done to preserve the building
- but so far without success.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A16626
13
Bellville: Col Engelbrecht & Col Louwrens
Communications: Bellville district police chief Colonel Jurie Lourens, front, and Bellville police
commander Colonel Gys Engelbrecht, back, keep in close contact with their men.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/collection/islandora-16822
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Cape Town: Police Convoy
Convoy of police vehicles, Cape Town
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/collection/islandora-16184
Cape Town Central: Col van Zyl, Col Cerff, Col Van Lill & Maj Koos le Roux
Top police officers confer in Adderley Street during the height of the unrest yesterday. They are, from
left, Colonel A.P. van Zyl, head of the Riot Squad, Colonel P.A. Cerff, staff officer to the Divisional
Commissioner, Colonel D.A.L. van Lill, District Commandant for Cape Town, and Major Koos Le Roux,
at present with the Riot Squad.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A16362
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Old Wale Street Police Station
An old landmark goes: the Old Dutch building in Wale Street known as "the old Wale Street Police
Station", which is to make room for the new Provincial Administration offices and which is the subject of
a query by REX (Leeuwendal-crescent), is one of the finest examples of the old "dark kamer" (roof
chamber) type of old Dutch colonial architecture. One of the last, if not the last, of these fine buildings
is the Martin Melck House in Strand-street. The "dark kamer" was a sort of domestic observation room
from which the household could watch the arrival and departure of ships in Table Bay. The old Wale-
street building was built in its present form in the later years of the eighteenth century. It was the early
home of the Brand family, and in it Mayor G. B. van Zyl, M.P. for Sea Point, spent his early boyhood.
The building was originally ornamented by one of the best of the pediments which Anton Anreith, the
famous sculptor of that time, left as a heritage for posterity. The pediment, since lost, was of a martial
design, with grapeshot and cannon-balls forming the motif of the design.. After many years as a police
station the old building served for some time as a day nursery for working mothers.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A17186
Alleged Police Violence in the Port Elizabeth/Uitenhage Area: Paper Presented at National Conference
on 15 March 1986 discussing police brutality, riots, mob violence, detentions, violence and torture of
detainees, prison conditions, legal system.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/alleged-police-violence-port-elizabethuitenhage-area-paper-
presented-national-conference-1986
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Cape Town Central
Man with a police escort, Cape Town.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/collection/islandora-16302 Vlnr: XXX?, Adv CF Erasmus en kol IPS Terblanche
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Gen PJ Coetzee
General at Court: General Johann Coetzee at the Supreme Court yesterday
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/collection/islandora-14850 Kol Wright (links) en genl Johann Coetzee
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Police officials talk amongst themselves, Cape Town.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A16285
Kommentaar: Lyk soos prof Richard van der Rost, onbekend, onbekend & brig Flip Fourie
Maj (later genl-maj) Floors Mostert
Major F.J. Mostert, head of the Fraud Squad and former Murder and Robbery squad chief, joined riot
police on Adderley Street to assist a force badly hit by widespread rioting across the Peninsula. Here
19
he enjoys a light moment during a brief let-up in the unrest.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A16357
Cape Town: Opening of Parliament
Mounted escort for Dr. Jansen: Men and their horses went through their paces on Green Point
Common today in preparation for their role of mounted escort to the Governor-general at the opening
of Parliament on Friday. They are members of the South African Mounted Police, and will be led by
Captain A.L. du Pisanie. [On the left is Sgt H Tulleken – HBH]
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A15739
Pretoria SAP Rugby
Saturday afternoon rugby match at Loftus Versveld Stadium, Pretoria (Tshwane): South African Police
20
versus Iscor (Iron and Steel Corporation), 1967.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A1569 Comments by HBH: “Klein-Mof” de Klerk, Mof Myburg and Willie Esterhuizen
Alleged Police violence: Port Elizabeth
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Veiligheidstaklede: WVK
Brig WF Schoon
Brigadier Willem Schoon, Pretoria, 1998. Schoon was a former head of ‘C’ section, the anti-terrorism unit of the South African Police (SAP) security branch responsible for liaising with the commanders of the undercover unit at Vlakplaas. He applied for amnesty for his involvement in numerous cases of murder and abduction, claiming that he was forced to participate in such actions by the circumstances that prevailed at the time. He received amnesty and is retired.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/search/Police?page=22&type=dismax
22
Genl Johann Coetzee
General Johann Coetzee, Pretoria, 1998. General Coetzee was Commissioner of Police in Pretoria
between 1978 and 1985. He came to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to seek amnesty
for the bombing of the African National Congress (ANC) offices in London in 1982. When faced with
evidence linking him to Ruth First and the Schoon deaths, General Coetzee refuted all knowledge of
any involvement with any assassinations committed by any of his personnel while he served as Police
Commissioner.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/collection/islandora-778
23
Katatura: SWA/Namibia
The Security Branch record those present at a Cassinga Day commemoration in Katutura. The Battle of Cassinga, Cassinga Raid or Kassinga Massacre was a controversial South African airborne attack on a SWAPO refugee camp and military base at the former town of Cassinga, Angola on 4 May 1978.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6831
Koevoet
Sunset return to base of Koevoet in Casspir and Wolf vehicles. Koevoet is the common name of the
South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN). The Casspir is a landmine-
protected personnel carrier. The Wolf is an armoured transport vehicle
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http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora%3A6783/datastream/OBJ/view
Koevoet
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/search/Koevoet?type=dismax (1 - 18 of 18)
Abandoned Koevoet detention centre
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Abandoned Koevoet detention centre at Onaimwandi. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Off-duty Koevoet operatives Off-duty Koevoet operative based at Arendsnes. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Koevoet gunner checks his Browning machine guns Machine guns, Armoured personnel carriers - Namibia - Oshakati.
26
Koevoet gunner checks his Browning machine-guns on the Wolf armoured personnel carrier before embarking on an early-morning patrol from Oshakati. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title: General Hans Dreyer, commander of Koevoet Subject: Police – Namibia Description: General 'Sterk' Hans Dreyer, officer commanding the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL COIN), Koevoet.
Title: Off-duty Koevoet operative with his family Subject: Children, Women, Men, Police--Namibia Description: Off-duty Koevoet operative based at Arendsnes with family, Joosfontein. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title: Koevoet returning to base at sunset Subject: Armoured personnel carriers, Military convoys Description: Sunset return to base of Koevoet in Casspir and Wolf vehicles. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN). The Casspir is a landmine-protected personnel carrier. The Wolf is an armoured transport vehicle
Title: Koevoet families picknicking at Cunene River Subject: Children, Recreation--Namibia Description: Picnic on the Cunene River. Koevoet families at Ruacana near the border with Angola. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
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Title: Discussion amongst Portuguese-speaking members of Koevoet Subject: Amputees, People with disabilities, Wounds and injuries Description: Off-duty Portuguese-speaking members of Koevoet discuss wounds, war and an uncertain future. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title: Slain PLAN combatant brought back to Koevoet base Subject: War casualties - Namibia Description: Slain People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatant is brought back to Koevoet base, tied to a casspir (armoured military tank), at Tsandi, Uukwaluudhi. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title Personnel files of operatives recruited by Koevoet are discarded SubjectLegal documents--Destruction and reconstruction DescriptionPersonnel files of operatives recruited by Koevoet discarded at Onaimwandi. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title Personnel files of operatives recruited by Koevoet are discarded SubjectLegal documents--Destruction and reconstruction--Namibia DescriptionPersonnel files of operatives recruited by Koevoet discarded at Onaimwandi. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
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Title: Bodies of Plan combatants killed during contact with Koevoet are buried at Uupindi Subject” Mass burials--Namibia, Dead--Namiba, Cemeteries--Namibia, Namibia--Armed Forces, War crimes--Namibia, War victims--Namibia Description: The crucifixion. The bodies of 133 People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatants killed during contact with Koevoet at Oshimbimbi are buried at Uupindi, west of Oshakati. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title: March by parties opposed to the TGNU is broken up by Koevoet Subject: Demonstrations--Namibia, Police--Namibia Description: March by political parties opposed to the creation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) is broken up by Koevoet, Katutura. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
TitleVigil by striking workers SubjectSquatter settlements--Namibia--Windhoek DescriptionVigil by striking workers at the Single Quarters in Katutura, after an attack by Koevoet forces sent from the north. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
TitlePLAN combatant tied to casspir Subjectcorpses, human remains, tanksDead, Transportation DescriptionA slain People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatant is brought back to Koevoet base, tied to a casspir (armoured military tank), Tsandi, Uukwaluudhi, South-West Africa (Namibia). 'Koevoet' is the common name for the South West African Police Counterinsurgency Unit (SAWPOLCOIN).
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Title: Tortured PLAN combatant handedover to ICRC for repatriation to Angola Subject: Torture - Namibia, Prisoners of war - Namibia Description: A People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatant tortured for information by Koevoet is handed over to the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) for repatriation back to Angola. Koevoet is the common name of the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN).
Title: Destruction of the outer palisade of a home by casspirs Subject: Namibia--History, Military--20th century, Armoured personnel carriers. Description: Destruction of the outer palisade of a home by Casspirs, an armoured personnel carrier that is protected from landmines, as a result of fighting between SWAPO and the South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Unit (SWAPOL-COIN), also known as Koevoet, in the Omundudu area.
http://www.digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/search/Special%20branch%20police?page=2&type=dismax
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Young policeman in a cafe
Wonder wie is hy? Waar sou hy vandag wees?
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Slot Daar is nog vele verhale en foto’ op in die Nongqai op te neem en vir die nageslag te bewaar.
Thanks Thank you to Mr Paul Weinberg who made this issue possible
Dankie dat u help om die geskiedenis lewendig te hou ...
Identifiseer solank u privaat foto’s – identifiseer die datum, die plek en die tyd – identifiseer die mense op die
foto’s en die fotograaf. Bêre u dokumente, sakboeke, dagboeke, foto’s, koerante, plakboeke ens – al die goed is
belangrik om ons geskiedenis te bewaar en in die toekoms reg te vertolk. Bewaar die verlede!
Contact details / kontakbesonderhede Hennie Heymans: [email protected] / Glenn Elsden: [email protected] Nico Moolman: [email protected] met webtuiste www.nicomoolman.net Paul Weinberg (UCT) [email protected]
Greetings – Groete Salute! Saluut!
Hennie Heymans
No 43630 (B)
© 2016
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