THE e-NONGQAI Un-official Police Gazette for VETERANS of the former South African Police Force and for those interested in the history of our Police, Defence and South Africa’s National Security December 2012; Vol 3 no 12 DIE e-NONGQAI Nie-amptelike Polisiekoerant vir VETERANE van die ou Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiemag en vir diegene wat belangstel in die geskiedenis van ons polisie, verdediging en nasionale veiligheid Desember 2012; Vol 3 Nr 12
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Memory: To all our friends in the former SA Forces
Please will you raise your glass at sunset on the 31st of December 2011 – where ever in the world you may be – in honour of all our fallen comrades! Please take a picture of the event and email it with the name of the photographer, who is on the photo and where it was taken. Let’s see if we will receive photographs from all continents! Please send it to: Hennie Heymans heymanshb@gmail.com We will place your picture, DV, in the eNONQAI of January 2012. Gedagtenis: Aan al ons kollegas van die oud SA Magte
Sal u asb, waar u ook al in die wêreld is, met sonsondergang op 31 Desember 2011 u glasie lig ter nagedagtenis van al ons kamerade wat ons ontval het. Neem asb ‘n foto en stuur dit aan Hennie Heymans <heymanshb@gmail.com> Meld wie die fotograaf is en wie op die foto verskyn en waar dit geneem is. Die foto’s sal, DV, in die Januarie-uitgawe van 2012 in die eNONGQAI verskyn. Kom ons kyk of ons van al die kontinente sal hoor!
Contents / Inhoud 1. WELCOME / WELKOM .................................................................................................................. 7 1.1 Moment of silence/ Bepeinsing..................................................................................................... 7 Die ware sin van die Christusfees – Koot Swanepoel (Joubertina)........................................... 8 Die Christusfees bring lig ........................................................................................................... 8 ‘n Paar Kersfees gedagtes ........................................................................................................... 9 1.2 Voorblad / Front Page ................................................................................................................. 10 1.3 Editorial – Hennie Heymans ....................................................................................................... 10 - ‘n Eeu van nasionale polisie op 1 April 2013: Ons Polisie-geskiedenis: Die Kapelane................. 12 2A: Kersboodskappe / Christmas Greetings ......................................................................................... 12 2.1 Kersboodskap aan kol Eugene de Kock ................................................................................ 12 2.2 Kersboodskap namens kol E de Kock......................................................................................... 18 2.3 Uiteindelik ‘n kort Kersboodskap van Eugene de Kock!............................................................ 19 2.4 To all retired and ex-members of the South African Police Service........................................... 19 2
2.5 Christmas Message: Retired DWO / Oud-sao Koot van Schalkwyk .......................................... 19 2B: PERSONALIA VANAF 01 NOVEMBER tot 30 NOVEMBER 2012 – Johan Jacobs ............... 20 3. Honours & Awards / Eerbewyse & Toekennings ............................................................................. 27 3.1 Roll of Honour / Ererol ............................................................................................................... 27 3.2 SAP Graves: Benoni – Koos Brits .............................................................................................. 27 3. 3 Friends Missing and Found! / SAP 55 Vermiste persone ......................................................... 27 4. REUNIONS / REUNIES / EVENTS / GEBEURE .......................................................................... 27 4.1 Skaap op die spit – 17 November 2012: Berig en foto’s deur Jeanette Jacobs ...................... 27 - Piet Fourie .................................................................................................................................. 27 - Vrou van die Jaar-toekenning: Petro Heyneke .......................................................................... 28 5. PERSOONLIKHEID VAN DIE MAAND ....................................................................................... 30 - Lt-kol Ivan Myers, Honde-eenheid, Kaapstad ........................................................................... 30 6. PERSONALITIES & BIOGRAFICAL DICTIONARY/ PERSOONLIKHEDE / BIOGRAFIESE WOORDEBOEK .................................................................................................................................. 32 6.1 Konst Chris Lessing van Marshallplein: Paul Els ....................................................................... 32 6.2 Sers MJ Badenhorst en nr 20680 konst AG van Tonder: Malinda Lensing ............................... 33 6.2.1 Genl-maj AG “Dries” van Tonder (opvolg) ............................................................................ 34 6.3 No 20974K Lt. Richard Peter Barry - Malinda Lensing ............................................................ 34 6.3.1 Mev Barry (eggenote wyle lt Barry) en Malinda Lensing .................................................. 35 6.4 Boksheld Kallie Knoetse: via Rudi Venter ................................................................................ 35 6.5 Kapt Alwyn Burger en Fleur: Paul Els ....................................................................................... 36 6.6 No 25199 maj Joseph Usher Bell (SAP, RI, BSV, NI) alias “Oom Joe”: Maj Dorothy “Dossie” Bell .................................................................................................................................................... 37 6.7 Medals: No 360 Former Detective Head Const AJ Hoffmann – Andre Hoffmann .................... 39 6.8 “Scotty Smith” or maybe George St Leger Gordon Lennox? Trooper & Farrier (FMAP); Scout (UDF – W/O) and Justice of the Peace ............................................................................................. 39 6.9. “Kalahari Mac” ..................................................................................................................... 41 6.10 Senior SAP Dames, Maleoskop: Dorothy Bell ....................................................................... 42
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6.11 Maurice Early Jones (CMR) – Ray Ellis (Australia) ................................................................ 42 6.12 OOSRAND – EENHEID 6 se Mense: Anemarie Jansen.......................................................... 43 6.12.1 Louis Pretorius aan die woord: Drie Geslagte Pretorius in die SA Polisie ..................... 43 6.12.2 The Role and Application of the Union Defence Force in the Suppression of Internal Unrest, 1912 – 1945: Andries Marius Fokkens ............................................................................................. 46 7. Over a nice cup of coffee ... or how I see things / Oor ‘n koppie lekker koffie ... of soos ek die saak sien: ....................................................................................................................................................... 48 Aandag ........................................................................................................................................ 48 Verknogte ................................................................................................................................... 49 Wat gaan vir wat?...................................................................................................................... 49 Weerpraatjies word misdaadpraatjies .................................................................................... 50 Have a banana! .......................................................................................................................... 51 Inside Information ........................................................................................................................ 51 Afsondering................................................................................................................................ 51 Vrymesselaars ............................................................................................................................ 52 Hebsug: Diamante, goud, drank en staatskas ....................................................................... 52 8. WE REMEMBER / ONS ONTHOU ............................................................................................... 53 8.1 Stilte in die Hof – Lentulus ......................................................................................................... 53 8.1.1 Titel: Gerook, M'Lord? ............................................................................................................ 53 8.2 Face Book: Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie – Afgetrede Lede .............................................................. 54 8.3 Geduld, o geduld wat so baie kan dra! Coert Marais (Pmb) ....................................................... 54 8.4 Ons vir Jou Suid-Afrika: via Rudi Venter .................................................................................. 55 9 NATIONAL SECURITY NEWS / NUUS EN NASIONALE VEILIGHEID .................................. 55 9.1 Whistle-blowing officer reinstated.............................................................................................. 55 9.1.1 Ivan Myers: Jan van Wyk ................................................................................................... 55 9.2. Whistle-blowing officer reinstated............................................................................................. 56 9.3 Comment: Lt-Col Meyers ........................................................................................................... 58 9.3.1 Rompslomp laat honde ly - Leon-Ben Lamprecht .............................................................. 58 9.4 Uitspraak: Ivan Meyers-saak ...................................................................................................... 60 4
9.5 Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa.................................................................................. 88 9.6 Police need to bulk up capacity of forensic science labs - Kohler Barnard ................................ 89 10. NATIONAL SECURITY HISTORY / NASIONALE VEILIGHEIDSGESKIEDENIS ............... 89 10.1 WO2: Gevleuelde Seiners: Geveerde ‘spioen’ sit jare in skoorsteen vas ................................ 89 10.2 The Rhodesian T-55 Tanks and Operation Hectic - Johan Jacobs............................................ 90 10.2 Die Smit-moorde: Politics Web ................................................................................................ 96 10.3 Die Suid-Afrikaanse Kryghistoriese Vereniging: Johan van den Bergh................................... 96 10.3 Die Grens- en bosoorlog: Genl Johan van der Merwe ............................................................ 104 10.4 Artikel 5 – Oos-Rand, Eenheid 6: Anemarie Jansen & Larry Hanton .................................... 105 10.4 Anglo- Boer War: Elands River Siege: BSAP – Terry Schwartz ........................................... 112 11. HERALDRY, UNIFORMS, COLOURS, FLAGS, MEDALS, MEMORIALS & BUILDINGS/ HERALDIEK, UNIFORMS, VAANDELS, VLAE, MEDALJES, GEDENKTEKENS & GEBOUE ............................................................................................................................................................ 113 11.1 Website: The South African Police Hall of Fame................................................................... 113 11.2 SAP Badge & Filler: Courage................................................................................................. 113 11.3 SAP Medaljes: Me Marlene Swanepoel SAPD Museum ....................................................... 113 - Polisiekruis vir dapperheid en die SAW se SD........................................................................ 113 - Polisiester vir Uitnemende Leierskap (SED) ........................................................................... 114 - Polisiekruis en -ster vir verdienste ........................................................................................... 114 - Ster vir Voortreflikediens en troue diens medalje.................................................................... 116 11.4 Keiskammahoek Police Station: Henry Beling ....................................................................... 117 12. VESTED INTERESTS OF VETERANS /LEDE AANGELEENTHERDE ................................ 118 12.1 Polmed .................................................................................................................................... 118 12.2 Injuries on duty / Beserings aandiens ..................................................................................... 118 12.3 eNONGQAI: Vol 3 No. 11: Par 17.3: Regsvraag: Johan Henning: Kommissaris van Edehoedanigheid na aftrede uit S.A. Polisie ......................................................................................... 118 12.4 New IPA South Africa Website: Vossie de Vos ..................................................................... 119 13. THE LIBRARY / DIE BOEKRAK ............................................................................................. 120 5
13.1 Die Padkaart van ’n Speurder
My Storie.
Wouter Grové ............................................... 120
14. HUMOUR IN UNIFORM ........................................................................................................... 122 14.1 The Sardonic “British Police Guide” Jeff Manning (SAP, BSAP, UK) ............................... 122 14.2 Krygkor & John Deere: Dave Baker ....................................................................................... 126 15. ANECDOTES, A POINT TO PONDER, ETC ............................................................................ 127 Filler: CHINESE FLOODING SOUTH-AFRICA UNDER ANC GUARDIANSHIP .............. 127 16. OOR DIE NONGQAI SE DRUMPEL ......................................................................................... 129 16.1 Besoek aan die IPA (SA): Pilot & Doreen Loots.................................................................... 129 16.2 Besoek aan die IPA (SA): Den Alberts ................................................................................... 130 16.3 Besoek aan Johan Ferreira ...................................................................................................... 131 16.4 Besoek aan Herman van Deventer .......................................................................................... 131 16.5 Besoek deur Hein Goussard (Karos, Mc Dougalsbaai, Kalahari) .......................................... 132 16.6 Besoek deur Andre du Toit (Durban) ..................................................................................... 132 16.7 Besoek deur Neelsie Borea (Pretoria) ..................................................................................... 133 16.8 Visit by Col Terry Schwartz (BSAP & SAP) East Rand ........................................................ 133 17. NEWS FROM ALL OVER - THE POLICE POST BAG / NUUS POS VAN HEINDE EN VERRE - POLISIE-POSSAK......................................................................................................... 134 17.1 Kamele in die SAP: Dr Henry Abbott (Upington) .................................................................. 134 17.2 Kol de Kock en genl Sterk Hans Dreyer : Tiekie de Jager ..................................................... 134 17.2 SAW vier 100 jaar: Paul Els ................................................................................................... 134 17.3 Damoina: Brig Izak Boshoff ................................................................................................... 134 17.4 Mill for smelting stolen gold: Andre Hoffmann .................................................................... 135 17.5 Wolves in the SADF : A Question from Mr Gerald Prinsloo, SANDF Archive .......... 137 198003 Paratus : Big Red ........................................................................................................... 137 17.6 Enquiry about F/Arm - Steve Corbet ...................................................................................... 137 18. NETWORKING & “LET’S SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER”/ NETWERK & “KOM ONS ONDERSTEUN MEKAAR” .............................................................................................................. 139 6
18.1 Annemari Jansen – Koorsboom Kothuis ................................................................................ 139 18.2 Jannie Otto .............................................................................................................................. 139 18.3 Karate: Kol (adv) Len Els ....................................................................................................... 140 18.4 Antikwitete en boeke: Leon “Div” de Villiers ........................................................................ 142 19. STOP PRESS / LAAT BERIGTE ................................................................................................ 142 19.1 WEL EN WEE VAN DIE MILITêRE VETERANE : BERIG 41/2012 : LYS B .................. 142 20. INDEMITY / VRYWARING ....................................................................................................... 143 21. NEXT EDITION / VOLGENDE UITGAWE .............................................................................. 143 22. CONCLUSION / SLOT ................................................................................................................ 143 Vuller .............................................................................................................................................. 143
Patron – Gen Johan vd Merwe – Beskermheer Editor – Hennie Heymans – Redakteur Circulation – Dana Kruger – Sirkulasie Technical Advice – Bruce Jones – Tegniese advies
1. WELCOME / WELKOM Welkom by die laaste uitgawe van 19 ... nee! 2012, en onthou oor ‘n paar weke is dit 2013! Ja, die tyd vlieg! Nogmaals hartlik welkom by hierdie uitgawe van die e-NONGQAI, dankie vir u berigte, foto’s en interessanthede! Welcome also to Rev Bob Timms – he is a former member of the SA Navy and SA Police. He will, DV, we hope, give us something to think about each month. Welcome aboard, Padre!
1.1 Moment of silence/ Bepeinsing Shalom, Greetings to all. My name is Bob Timms and I am the resident minister at Ermelo Methodist Church. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all a joyful festive season.
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Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Let us remember and reflect on those that have passed on and what God has done for us in the past year. Be Blessed Be Bold in God's Grace. May the New Year be a blessing to all. Blessings, Bob Timms My contact numbers are as follows: 017 8112561 cell 076 9988237 email revtshawe@gmail.com
Die ware sin van die Christusfees – Koot Swanepoel (Joubertina) Twee vriende het ‘n ernstige uitval gehad en hulle vriendskap is verbreek. Na ‘n tyd het die een vriend besef dat hulle nie só kan lewe nie: dit was dan so ‘n goeie vriendskap. Hy skryf toe ‘n brief aan sy eertydse vriend en pleit dat hulle vrede maak. Hy kry egter geen antwoord op sy brief nie. Maar hy het nie moedeloos geword nie en weer geskryf… en weer… en weer. Op ‘n bitter koue wintersnag besluit hy toe om self na sy vriend toe te gaan en persoonlik by hom te pleit: "Kom ons maak vrede!" Deur tierende winde en sneeu heen reis hy na sy vriend se huis. By die oop deur herhaal hy weer die pleidooi. Sal sy vriend sy verskoning aanvaar? Sal jy nou "ja" sê? God is die Vriend. In die tuin van Eden het daar kwaaivriendskap tussen God en sy mense gekom. God het deur sy profete baie liefdevolle briewe geskryf. Toe het Hy self in die Persoon van Jesus gekom. Het jy al vir Hom "ja" gesê? Martin Luther het gesê: "Al is Christus duisend maal in Bethlehem gebore, maar nog nooit in jou hart nie, is dit vir jou ‘n nuttelose gebeurtenis." Die Christusfees bring lig. Ons het gelees dat naby die Noordpool die nag vir maande lank aanhou. Wanneer die mense dan verwag dat die dag uiteindelik gaan aanbreek, gaan boodskappers na die hoogste punte om te wag en wanneer hulle die eerste tekens van die dag sien, trek hulle hulle mooiste klere aan, omhels mekaar en roep uit: "Aanskou die son!" en die wekroep word dan deur die hele land voortgedra: "Aanskou die son!" Die wêreld was vir eeue lank in duisternis van onkunde en sonde. Die wekroep van Sagaria was ‘n vreugdevolle oproep: "Aanskou die Son!" Die Son van Geregtigheid gaan op en daar is genesing onder sy vlerke. Die Dagbreek van omhoog het ons besoek." 8
Hierdie woorde gee uitdrukking aan die koms van Christus. Dit was om lig te bring. Wat die son vir die materiële wêreld is, is Christus vir ons in die geestelike wêreld. Met die Christusfees het die Son van Geregtigheid ons duistere wêreld kom verlig. ‘n Paar Kersfees gedagtes Die Kind van God het mens geword sodat ons God se kinders kan word. Hulle wat die Christusfees nie in die hart het nie, soek dit tevergeefs toegedraai in geskenkpapier onder ‘n boom. Met die Christusfees is mense so sentimenteel dat hulle amper optree soos wat God hulle bedoel het om te wees. Ons probleem is dat ons met die Christusfees opnuut die vrede soek waarvan die Christusverhaal vertel, maar dat ons nie die Vredevors in ons lewe soek nie. Die plek wat die skaapwagters gekry het, is die plek waar drome waar geword het. Al word Christus duisend maal in Bethlehem gebore, maar nie in jou hart nie, bly jy verlore. Die een wat Kersfees nie in sy hart dra nie, sal dit nooit onder ‘n boom vind nie. Om die Christusfees te herken deur al die geskenkpapier heen, word elke jaar moeiliker. Die geboorte van Christus is die sonsopkoms van die Bybel. Daar is liefde met die Christusfees omdat die Christusfees uit liefde gebore is. Laat elkeen van ons hierdie gees van liefde lewend hou en God verheerlik. Dit is soms goed om soos kinders te word en daar is geen beter tyd om dit te doen as tydens die Christusfees nie, toe die magtige Stigter daarvan self ‘n kind was.
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1.2 Voorblad / Front Page
1.3 Editorial – Hennie Heymans The past events in the Western Cape were shocking to say the least. These events were in the open for all to see! From the viewpoint history, strategy and social anthropology one is starting to think the unthinkable will happen. Peace and goodwill is not on the horizon! The future looks bleak, civil strife and low intensity conflict looms. Here are some “long term” factors which contribute our uncertain future: •
It is clear that the police are suffering from a lack of leadership. This is visible on all levels! From the bottom up! ... And from the top down to ground level. It’s one thing to dress up in a general’s or colonel’s garb; any person can wear a fancy uniform. However it’s another thing to be a real General, a Commissioned Officer, Warrant Officer or a Sergeant in terms of service, knowledge, dedication and excellent leadership!
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It would appear that the police are not in control of their “beats” or sectors. The criminals are! (Yesterday, 30 Nov 2012, Friends of the Rail’s (FOTR) historic steam locomotive was derailed near Cullinan. The rails were loosened because criminals were about to steal them! This is the 2nd derailment that FOTR has suffered. This is not far from the police station. Where are the “eyes and ears” of the police? Yester day’s news was also bad: Family of friends were attacked on their farm!)
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The police is lacking in dedication when senior officers place a premium on their midday meals instead of taking command and control at scenes of serious conflict. Duty comes first!
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The police are unable to do handle serious acts of violence, especially at demonstrations. The masses are unhappy. Most demonstrations are against bad service delivery, low wages and toll fees. 10
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The police do not instil confidence in the public at large. The public have clearly lost confidence in the police.
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Have a look at the “Score Board” – the annual report of the commissioner. The criminals are winning! The public and the police are losing the battle! Insurance premiums are rising annually! Some houses now sport double security measures!
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Farm attacks are now a daily occurrence. There is no clear coherent rural safety plan. It would appear that farmers and rhinoceroses are now competing to head the list as top victims of crime.
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We are swamped by illegal immigrants who are flourishing here by committing crime.
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Loss of integrity at all levels at the police, state departments, exams, banks, nature conservation etc. (Intelligence is filtering out to criminals, instead of the other way around!)
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Poor tactical intelligence, command and control over state resources even arms, ammunition and funds. Intelligence – or inside information – is passed onto criminals.
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Los of pride: I must say I see more African policeman wearing their full uniforms as opposed to White members who are not wearing their full uniforms i.e. their headdress. (I even saw a white SANDF Colonel doing shopping at Chamberlain’s without a cap!) Many whites in the police are only waiting for “pension time” so that they can leave the police (or state) because they are overlooked for promotion. Can one blame them?
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Lack of advancement for whites in the police and state! This impacts negatively on those doing their best!
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One is unsafe in graveyards and travelling on Metro trains especially between Pretoria and Johannesburg. (The Gautrain has set a good example as far as safety and crime prevention is concerned!) One is unsafe in the suburbs!
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Our economy is sliding down, including investments.
The future: •
The farmers are going to suffer far more in future. They are losing markets. Food, fruit and wine production will go down. When one looks at the victims one can see that a heavy handed violence on the part of the farm attackers! This clearly shows hatred and destruction!
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The state can’t protect the farmer. It is now time to form kibbutzes on farms. Farmers need more “eyes” on the farm! There is security in numbers.
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Mining is on the way down ...
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Lack of free economy ... too much red tape, rules and regulations ...
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Investors are leaving the country because of various factors.
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More attacks on spots of “excellence”, more “attacks” on Afrikaans schools and universities. (Private universities, schools and home schools are on the way up!)
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More influx of people into the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
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More crazy and/or despotic laws.
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Higher taxes and more expenses (tolls impact negatively on food!)
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More rising expectations and more boycotts.
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Cost of energy and power to rise (also transport).
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Cost of food to rise. Less food, higher prices!
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Boycotts will continue i.e. not paying for services, water and lights.
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Water resources are coming under pressure! It is now the time to wake up! We will not have enough water for agriculture, industry and mining. On top of it we suffer from severe pollution due to negligence and ineffective municipal leadership.
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Service delivery is generally very poor in society.
Can somebody explain this? A sign warns the public that “this” is a hotspot regarding smash and grab or hijacking of vehicles. These signs are a motion of no confidence in the local police. If it is a known “hotspot” why do the police not catch the criminals! (It’s as easy pie to catch them!)
- ‘n Eeu van nasionale polisie op 1 April 2013: Ons Polisie-geskiedenis: Die Kapelane Ons is besig om aandag te skenk aan die SAP Kapelane. Ons eerste kapelaan was Ds Harpir Maartens. Hy is die vader van mev Jannie Geldenhuys. Dan die legendariese ds Doempie Cloete, SOO, SD, MC en en en .... So skryf Sarie van Niekerk: Hallo Hennie, Ons skryf oor die kapelane. Dr. Kruger het reeds sy bydrae gestuur en ek het ook vir Innes Benade gevra, hy is ook besig. Enige ander bydrae oor die kapelanediens is welkom. Ek kan onthou toe ek in die kollege was, was lt.kol. (ds) Hennie Visser die Hervormde Kerk se kapelaan in die kollege gewees. Hy leef seker nie meer nie, ek wonder of iemand dalk wee twat van sy kinders geword het. Groete, Sarie
2A: Kersboodskappe / Christmas Greetings 2.1 Kersboodskap aan kol Eugene de Kock
Hennie Heymans: KERSBOODSKAP AAN KOL EUGENE DE KOCK: """""""VREDE OP AARDE & IN DIE MENS 'N WELBEHAE"""""" 12
Dit is gereël dat Eugene de Kock vir ons lesers van die eNONGQAI 'n kersboodskap gaan stuur. [Dit kan natuurlik nie gewaarborg word nie!] U gaan vir hom 'n boodskap stuur, dus word elke leser van hierdie FB-blad opgeroep om hieronder vir Eugene 'n boodskap te stuur! Ons sal u persoonlike boodskap aan Eugene aanhaal en in die eNONGQAI plaas. Die eNONGQAI sal na verwagting hier in die 1ste week van Desember verskyn.
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Anemari Jansen Dankie hiervoor Hennie!!!!! :)) Gene gaan dit so waardeer.
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Gawie Botha Eugene,,Ek en n klomp ander ouens,wat jy ook nie ken nie,staan een tree vorentoe,en Saluut jou,en gebruik ook dan hierdie geleentheid,om n geseënde kersfees en n vreugdevolle Nuwejaar aan jou toe te bid! "Sjalom!"
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Andries Greyling Kolonel Eugene, ek het die voorreg gehad om u een aand te ontmoet, maar u sal my nie onthou nie, ek salueer u as offisier en heer. Ek bid u en u geliefdes n baie geseënde Christus fees en Nuwejaar toe, en mag ons binnekort u vryheid fier!
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Koos Brits Gene, many moons het ek julle groepie uit die kollege ontvang te Bedfordln Benoni. Jou leiding gegee om n ongeluksverslag te voltooi. Jy't gegroei en ons het saam as n eenheid met ander lede (noem nie nou name nie) reuse suksesse met die spook-squad gehad, so het jy aan beweeg en ek het jou vordering deur die jare dopgehou. My vriend wat gebeur het, het gebeur die horlosie kan nie terug gedraai word nie, maar die dag as die deure van die koutjie vir jou oopgaan en jy jou vlerke wyd sprei, sal ek aan die Vader die Eer gee. Hierdie Kersfees is jy in my en my gesin se gedagtes en mag GOD met jou wees. Sien uit om weer jou hand te skud. Koos
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Nico Frylinck Eugene, ek bid jou Gods rykste seën vir n vreugdevolle Kersfees en ‘n Nuwejaar toe en dat jy ook baie vinnig weer die pad buite saam met ons sal kan loop. God Bless !!
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Frik Bruwer Gene ek bid jou ‘n geseënde kersfees toe al is dit onder die omstandighede laat ons hoop die Nuwejaar hou baie geluk en voorspoed in, en mag ons spoedig ‘n fees vier met jou vrylating baie seëninge my vriend.
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Frans Diff de Villiers Eugene ons bid jou ‘n geseënde kersfees toe en ook vir jou spoedige vrylating. Mag geregtigheid nou geskied. Het mekaar in laat sewentigjare ontmoet. Jy in Oshakati en ek was in Ondangwa gestasioneer. Sterkte jy is ‘n man uit yster gesmee.
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Izak Boshoff Eugene, Geseënde Kersseisoen. Jy is en sal in ons gedagtes bly hier in ou-Natal
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Jan Van Wyk Jan van Wyk. 'n Geseënde Kersfees vir jou. Ek dink aan jou elke dag wat jy daar nog gaan bly. Ek het die voorreg gehad om jou te werf vir die Spesiale Wageenheid, Pretoria. Jy was glo te streng vir die Kollege lighties. Alhoewel jy net 6 maande by ons was, was jy die beste a/o op die blok. Ek wonder of iemand weet jy het die eerste minister bewaak as hulle snags slaap?
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Jacques Greeff Kolonel, ons hoop, glo en vertrou geregtigheid sal seëvier en u sal binnekort vry wees, mag u ‘n baie Geseënde Kersfees he.
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Johan Jacobs Johan Jacobs: 'n Geseënde kersfees word u toegebid en ook 'n voorspoedige nuwe jaar wat baie positief tov u vrylating mag wees!‘
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Marcia du Pont Alle slegte dinge kom tot ‘n einde. Glo en aanhou glo ! Jou tyd raak min daar. Dalk ‘n laaste kerstyd daar. Die wêreld wag vir jou daarbuite met ope arms. Nietemin geseënde kersfees Eugene. Teen die tyd weet jy dat dit nie n bord vol uitsoekdisse is wat n kersdag geseënd maak nie, maar jou hart vol liefde. . En d wete daar is mense wie vir jou omgee - daarom dat ek weet jou Kersdag geseënder sal wees as vele s’n met bakke vol smullekker kosse !
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Tom van Rensburg Kolonel, ons was 'n rukkie in 1983 saam op Oshakati. Mag dit vir u 'n vreugdevolle Kersfees wees en mag die Nuwejaar voorspoed in die sin van vrylating vir u bring!
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Helen Mc Intyre 'n Baie geseënde Kersfees word u toegewens
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Hennie Heymans Marcia du Pont - dankie, jy laat my dink aan 'n storie wat 'n Swapo my vertel het: "Hy sê die SAP jaag hom en hy weet hy gaan daardie dag dood - hy kan hulle agter hom hoor! Hy kom by 'n ouma wat hout kap en sy gee hom iets om te eet en een of ander drankie, voor hy verfris weghardloop sê sy: "My son, remember every song has a beginning and an end!” So hoop ons ook dat Eugene se aanhouding tot 'n einde sal kom! Wat die punt is, om hom verder aan te hou weet ek nie!
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Koot Swanepoel Kol. Eugéne de Kock. Wat 'n voorreg is dit vir my om vir u net te kan sê; "Ons kan nie wag dat u uit die gevangenis te kan stap nie." Ek het die verhale rondom u met oorgawe gelees. Glo my, "daar is GEEN veroordeling vir hulle wie in Christus is nie." Romeine 8 v. 1. Ons wense en bede vir u in hierdie feesgety, is dat die Here u sal seën met gesondheid na gees, siel en liggaam. Dat u die Here sal ervaar en beleef, soos nog nooit in u lewe nie. Dat u 'n volheidslewe in Christus sal geniet, met die wete dat HY by u is. Sy Woord sê dat HY u nooit sal verlaat of versaak nie. Ons kan nie wag om u terug in ons midde te verwelkom nie. Verseker is u in ons gebede. Seën vir u Kolonel.
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Nicolaas Hendrik Smith Els Hi Kol Eugene, mag God se genade en die Liefde van Jesus saam met u wees die Kersfees en mag die nuwe jaar vir u goeie nuus inhou. Hennie Els en familie
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Seppie Burger Eugene, sedert ons eerste ontmoeting in 1988 was ek nog altyd onder die positiewe indruk van die werk wat jy gedoen het. Omstandighede ver buite jou en my beheer, omstandighede wat 'n baie lang 'n historiese aanloop het, het 'n besondere rol in die kulminering van alles gespeel. Gegewe die historiese aanloop om Suid-Afrika te vorm tot wat dit in 1994 geword het en die rol wat jy gespeel het, hoe dit ook deur sommige onderspeel word, is die onbillikheid van jou posisie soveel groter - dit moet genoem word! Maar, uiteindelik moet daar hoop vir JOU en ons wees. Hoop in die politieke sin, MAAR die grootste hoop is gegrond op God. In hierdie tyd waar ons as Christene die geboorte van Jesus gaan vier, salueer ek Kol Eugene de Kock. Mag jy die vreugde van Christus in jou hart ervaar! Mag jy sy nabyheid in jou siel ervaar! Mag jy sy vertroosting in jou verstand ervaar! Mag jy in hierdie tyd ook die blymoedigheid voel om steeds die gebondenheid met jou familie te ervaar! Saluut!!! 15
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Izak van Zyl Eugene, jy is vir my persoonlik die simbool van ons volk se gevangenskap in ons eie land. Soos jy boet en vernedering moet deurgaan en verwerk, so ly die hele volk weens die sondes van die apartheidsleiers. Soos jy net jou werk gedoen het onder die bevel van mense wat nooit aangekeer is vir die opdragte nie, so is elkeen van ons ook besig om net ons werk te doen midde die korrupsie en wanbestuur van 'n regering wat alles teen die kraalmuur uitpiepie waarvoor ons hard werk. Te midde van dit alles sal ons oorleef! Sal ons weer opstaan! Sal ons weer vrygelaat word en ons sal weer hervat wat ons agtergelaat het toe ons in ballingskap gegaan het....die keer met meer wysheid.... So weet ek dat jy weer jou volksgenote, jou kollegas, jou familie en geliefdes weer met ywer sal dien wanneer daardie dag aangekondig word dat Eugene de Kok onvoorwaardelik vrygelaat gaan word. Jou "long walk to freedom" sal seer sekerlik 'n welverdiende "walk" wees wat verreikende en oorweldigende reaksie nasionaal en internasionaal sal ontketen.......dit as sulks sal die debat oor wat agter die apatheidsgordyn gebeur het weer laat ontvlam, maar sal hopelik ook die groot leuen ontbloot! Mag jy die vrede van JESUS CHRISTUS ervaar die feesgety en mag die nuwe jaar vir jou net die beste en hopelik blywende vryheid meebring.
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Piet Van Zyl Kol Eugene, mag net die keur van Sy seëninge met jou wees in hierdie feestyd en dat daar uiteindelik n besluit geneem sal word wat die deure finaal sal oopsluit vir n nuwe hoofstuk. Walk Tall.
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Fanie Bouwer Kollega, ons was saam in die 1976-offiersskool. Jy het reg agter my gesit. Later saam weer op majoorskursus. Toe in die bestuurskool in 1993 in Graaff-Reinet, toe staan jy stoel leeg daar (jou naam was daarop). Steeds dink ons aan jou, en hoop en glo dat jy een van die weer buite saam met ons en jou familie sal wees. Ek wens jou 'n mooi kersseisoen toe.
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Pieter Oberholzer Eugene, ek was nog student-konstabel op Benonı waar
ek jou ontmoed het. Ek sal dıe dae wat julle my saam met julle uıtgeneem het om klagtes by te woon nooıt, nooıt vergeet nıe. Dis waar ek geleer het om ware polısıeman te wees. Geen vrees, geen huıwerıng en geen nonsens van niemand. Geseende Kersfees en voorspoedıge nuwe jaar. Mag jou
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Kersgeskenk dıe sleutel na vryheid wees. Sterkte, Kolonel, ek glo dis nog net 'n kwessie van dae. Cheers!!!
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Leon Strauss Looking forward to having a few dops and a braai ,with you and a few other people...heres hoping you have the best Christmas you can under difficult circumstances, I will for sure raise a glass or three!!!God bless.
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Koot Swanepoel Hennie Heymans, Kol Eugéne se boekie is op pad na jou posbus vir persoonlike aflewering deur jou. Jy verdien om dit te oorhandig, dit was jou ‘omgee-hart’ se besluit. Seën vir jou ook.
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Annatjie Joubert Kolonel Eugene, ons hoop, glo en vertrou jy sal binnekort terug by jou familie wees, mag u 'n baie Geseënde Jesus Geboortedag viering geniet, en weet net Hy hou ons omhoog, want daar is niks wat Hy nie vir Sy kinders nie sal doen nie, Hy het Sy lewe alreeds vir ons afgele, soveel meer sal Hy vir jou doen. Mag die dag vol vreugde en seëninge wees. Annatjie & Bennie.(Trompie).
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Vincent Holtzkamp Kol Eugene de Kock...geseënde kersfees vir U.....! Hou moed EN ONS ALMAL hoop om U gou te sien...! [ Moord en Roof - 1990 tot 1995]
Malinda Lensing OOM EUGENE GESEËNDE KERSFEES! •
Mag die vrede en vreugde van ons Hemelse Vader, u in hierdie feesgety omvou - en laat ons nooit vergeet wat die uiteindelike doel van Kersfees is nie. My gebed vir u, is voorspoed en seen vir die nuwe jaar.
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Pieter A. Rousseau Kolonel, ons ken mekaar nie, maar ek 'moes' al heelwat vir u bid en dit alleen verbind ons aan/tot mekaar. Behalwe dat ons die Here vertrou om u (soos die Psalmdigter skrywe) dag vir dag te dra, kyk ons ook uit vir die dag wanneer u by die deure uitstap. Mag dit voor Kersfees wees.
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David Botha ‘n Geseënde Kersfees Eugene. Mag die jaar 2013 ‘n jaar van Vryheid, Vrede en Vriendskap vir jou en jou geliefdes wees.
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Pottie Potgieter Eugene ek wens jou 'n geseënde kersfees toe en hoop dat die jaar wat voorlê vir jou alles sal bring wat jy begeer.
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Benita Engelbrecht Baie sterkte en alles wat mooi is vir 2013
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Frik Bruwer Gene ek hoop jy geniet jou week al is dit onder sulke
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omstandighede mooi loop my vriend.
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Lynette Spies Ons dink aan jou!! Baie sterkte!
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Dorothy Bell Hi Gene, dis Dossie... My gebede is met jou! As ek aan jou dink sien ek net daai sexy bachelor in sy "camou" in die offisiersklub toemaar dit was voor jy getroud was! Net 'n grappie. ... Ek stuur baie boodskappe, maar of jy hulle kry die weet ek nie! See you soon my friend... x
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Tiny Nortje Eugene, ons het mekaar geken, baie vlugtig met tye, en het saam gewerk, sterkte en `n geseënde kersfees vir jou. Ons almal vertrou hy sal spoedig tussen ons wees.
2.2 Kersboodskap namens kol E de Kock Eugene de Kock is vir byna 19 jaar reeds in aanhouding. Vir die laaste 3 daar is ek betrokke by pogings om hom weer sy vryheid te gee. Daar is ander mense ook betrokke en dit is 'n tydsame en moeisame proses. Byna elke jaareinde hoop ons dat vanjaar die laaste sou wees, en ek glo dat daar rede is om optimisties te wees dat die dag sal kom. Eugene het oor die jare 'n groot bydrae gemaak daartoe dat hy 'n goeie saak het vir sy eie vrylating en die groot hoeveelheid voormalige slagoffers of hul families wat hom besoek het, is 'n bewys van die waardering vir wat hy die laaste 19 jaar gedoen het om hulle by te staan met hulle verlies. Eugene dra die verlede namens ons, daarom maak dit sin om tydens die feestyd aan hom en sy familie te dink. Sy kop is so sterk soos altyd en hy het geen begrip vir opgee nie. Ek en ander betrokke by hom sal nooit ophou met ons pogings om sy lot te verander nie. Diegene wat nie direk betrokke kan wees nie, kan 'n bydrae maak deur verantwoordelik oor die verlede te dink en nie op 'n wyse op te tree wat Eugene onder politieke druk plaas nie.
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Dit is nie moontlik almal te sien wat hy graag sou wou nie, grootliks weens praktiese reëlings, maar hy het sy vriende en geliefdes nie vergeet nie, en ek glo hy sal eendag die geleentheid he om op te maak vir sy afwesigheid. Hy kan na homself kyk en hy doen dit baie goed. In die dae wat kom mag ek enkeles van julle nader om ons te help met bepaalde take, wees gerus dat dit in die beste belang van Eugene is en dat ons dit in goeie trou doen. Groete Piet Croucamp
2.3 Uiteindelik ‘n kort Kersboodskap van Eugene de Kock! “Ek het Eugene gisteroggend by Pretoria Sentraal gesien, Hennie, ek het genl Dreyer na hom geneem. Sy boodskap is as volg: Kolleags, Mag julle almal `n geseënde en vreugdevolle Kerstyd beleef, en goeie gesondheid en geluk word vir elkeen, asook die families, toegewens. Groete, Eugene A de Kock. Baie groete vir jou, Anemari”
2.4 To all retired and ex-members of the South African Police Service On behalf of all the Inspector- General of the Namibian Police Force, Senior Management and members of NamPol: May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New year for 2013? Many the good Lord protect and safeguard your during this festive sessions and the year to come. Best regards Chief Inspector Edward James Holloway: Namibian Police Force.
2.5 Christmas Message: Retired DWO / Oud-sao Koot van Schalkwyk To be a different this year, our old friend, Retired DWO Koot van Schalkwyk was asked to honour us with a Christmas message. I am sure you all will agree that he has done a wonderful job! HBH 19
Dear Friends, Colleagues and Veterans, Wishing you God's wonderful gifts of faith, hope, peace and love as we take a moment from our busy lives to celebrate the Birth of our Lord, we pray your holidays are filled with love, and your New Year filled with peace. May this glorious day of our Saviourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth resound with hope and peace on earth! Merry Christmas! A silent night, a star above, a blessed Christmas to you! May your Christmas be filled with God's love and blessings. Good tidings to you! May your holiday season be blessed with the true meaning of Christmas. May the splendour and beauty of this season remind you of the One who is worthy of all our praise! Merry Christmas, and may God bless you richly! Sharing with you the Glory, the wonder, and the miracle of this Holy Season. God gave us His greatest gift! Wishing you the many blessings of Christmas and New Year 2013!!! Die Kersgroete gaan aan al die offisiere, kollegas en hulle gades. Schalkwyk!!! (Oud-speurder WWR en nou in die Kaap.)
Groete Koot van
2B: PERSONALIA VANAF 01 NOVEMBER tot 30 NOVEMBER 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Johan Jacobs 2.1 AFSTERWES Sondag 04 Nov: Pine Pienaar berig; Ek is pas verwittig dat Allan Whitfield (Z4W) gister oorlede is. Sy begrafnis is Vrydag in Port Elizabeth. Innige simpatie en meegevoel aan sy vrou en gesin. Groete! Woensdag 07 Nov: Annetjie Joubert berig; Brakpan polisiestasie is in rou gedompel. Twee van hul lede, James Dempsey (49) en Koos Minnie (51) was Vrydagaand omstreeks 19:00 in 'n baie lelike ongeluk betrokke toe hulle met 'n stootskraper gebots het. Hulle is altwee in die Glynwood hospitaal in Benoni opgeneem waar James se been onder meer afgesit is. Altwee was in 'n kritieke toestand gewees. Ongelukkig is James gisteraand kort voor 21:00 oorlede. Koos bly steeds in 'n kritieke toestand. Sy toestand het aanvanklik verbeter maar het later weer verswak.
Donderdag 08 Nov: Billy Cox berig; Kol Arthur Benoni CRONWRIGHT is onlangs oorlede. Hy was op VT Ondersoekspan John Vorsterplein gestasioneer voor 20
sy aftrede. Daar word more ‘n Erediens by sy Ouertehuis vir hom gehou. R.I.V. Saluut!! Kol Cronwright was ‘n yster!
Dinsdag 13 Nov: Hennie Heymans skryf met leedwese: Piet Haumann (SAP V Kompol x 302) berig: “Dirk Laubsher. Môre sê daardie kant. Jou veerpyltjie-maat van weleer laasnag 12: 20vm (13 Nov.) oorlede. Ek het by hom in die siekeboeg gewaak. Hy was ook ons oudste lid van die Overstrand Bond”.
Donderdag 15 Nov: Brig Henry Bevan al die jare VT Zulu Land en Durban afgetree as SB Point Durban gister onder narkose oorlede. Saluut RIV
Donderdag 15 Nov: Oud-brig. Willem van Zyl afgetree as hoof van KwaZulu Polisie het Sondag afgesterf agv ‘n lang geveg met longkanker. Begrafnis more te Babtiste kerk Port Shepstone rus in vrede my vriend Saluut!
Vrydag 16 Nov: Piet Meyer berig; Dir Henry Beavon is oorlede in Durban tydens 'n operasie. Hy was te KZN Prov Hoofkantoor, Veiligheid en later Georganiseerde Misdaad. R.I.V.
Maandag 26 Nov: Strauss Soer berig; Pieter du Rand was ‘n a/o te Messina en oud Hondeman, hy was al etlike jare op pensioen, en het die laaste tyd erg gely aan kanker. Piet was ‘n groot man letterlik en figuurlik, hy is vanmiddag oorlede. Piet ons salueer jou. 2.2 SIEKBOEK Maandag 05 Nov: Anna Pearson berig; Ek wil net graag voorbidding vra vir my man, Tom, hy is baie siek en dokters het nie veel hoop meer nie. Asseblief dink aan ons in julle gebede. By die Groot Man is niks onmoontlik nie. Dis baie stresvol vir ons as gesin om ‘n sterk persoon so hopeloos soos n baba te sien. Baie dankie! Woensdag 07 Nov: Annette Strampe berig; As ek kan mooi vra vandag - julle gebede vir my ousus asseblief? Sy's 'n sielkundige by die SAPD in Hermanus, het Sondagaand 'n beroerte gehad en is tans in die hospitaal in Somerset. Sy's nog so bitter jonk, net 52...Bid asseblief vir haar herstel...Dis haatlik om so vêr te wees as 21
sulke goed gebeur ! Donderdag 08 Nov: Sarie van Niekerk berig; Mense dink tog asseblief in julle gebede aan ons oud kollega Peet Bothma. Hy lê in die bed nadat hy skielik hoë bloeddruk en hartprobleme ontwikkel het. Soos Peet sê hy het dit ontwikkel vandat hy 'n ou man geword het. Ai tog die kinders in hul middel vyftigs wat ou manne is. Sterkte Peet, jy moet gou gesond word hoor. Maandag 12 Nov: Johan Deyzel berig; Sopas ontslaan uit hospitaal. Angiogram wys geen vernouings of enige ander abnormaliteite nie. Mag weer fietsry maar moet my beperkinge mbt ouderdom besef en aanvaar en nie saam met die jongermanne probeer ry nie. Enige energiedrankies met kafeïen is uit tydens wedrenne en/of oefening. Dankie vir almal se voorbidding en belangstelling. Dankie HERE!! 2.3 VERJAARSWENSE Donderdag 01 Nov: Hennie Heymans berig: “Dames en Here: Ons vriend en kollega Oom Piet Swanepoel verjaar vandag! 'n Yslike 84 jaar oud! Langpad geloop in die Mag en hy is 'n stigterslid van RI, BSV en NI. Hy was majoor in die mag en het afgetree as hoof van NI se navorsing. Hy is die outeur van verskeie boeke! Polisieavonture in Suidwes bly 'n wenner! Hy is in die polisie die jaar van my geboorte (1946)! Al wat ek vir hom wil sê is: "Carry on writing!"” Dinsdag 20 Nov: Dalene Steenkamp berig; Generaal (Sterk Hans) Dreyer van Koevoet is vandag 'n hele 81 jaar oud. Baie geluk Generaal - baie seën en gesondheid vir die jaar. Dit was 'n ongelooflike voorreg om u as mens te leer ken. Saluut aan 'n grote!
Donderdag 22 Nov: Fanie Bouwer berig; Pieter A. Rousseau verjaar vandag.
Vrydag 23 Nov: Frans Div de Villiers berig; Andries Greyling verjaar ook vandag. Baie geluk en mag dit n geseënde dag wees vir jou.
Vrydag 23 Nov: Sarie van Niekerk berig; 'n Voëltjie in die boomtak voor my kamervenster het vroegoggend al singende vir my gesê ons ou groot vriend en kollega, Koot van Schalkwyk verjaar vandag. Baie geluk Koot, ons hoop jy gaan 'n baie pragtige dag hê, dat jy geweldig bederf gaan word en dat die jaar wat voorlê vir 22
jou vol vrede, vreugde en seën sal wees. Jy is vroeër vanjaar 'n nuwe lewe gegun na jou ernstige siekbed, die Here stort sy seën in emmers vol oor jou uit. Geniet jou dag Koot, jy is kosbaar vir ons! 2.4 ALLEGAARTJIE Vrydag 09 Nov: André Volgraaff berig; Goeie more al my FB vriende. Kan nie meer 'n oomblik verder slaap nie . Ek en liewe heksie is so opgewonde as wat kan kom. Ons eerste kleinkind word vandag gebore. As ek sien wat die ander oupas en oumas op hierdie blad te sê het oor hul kleinkinders kan ek verstaan hoekom en moes ek die oomblik met julle deel. Saterdag 10 Nov: More vriende. My kleindogter wat gister gebore is. Gesond en alles klopdisselboom. Nou kan ek ook sê ek weet waaroor dit gaan as oupas en oumas oor hul klein kinders praat. Laat 'n persoon voorwaar baie goed voel. Veels geluk aan die ouers en grootouers JJ
Saterdag 17 Nov: Hennie Heymans berig: Eerste aangifte van Braai: Ou Pappa Beer (kok) en sy span kan werklik lekker braai! Piet Kierie Fourie - baie dankie vir die skaap! “Mrs Master Ceremonies” dit is Neelsie Borea en Johan Jacobs dankie vir die al die diverse reëlings. Petro Heyneke is toe verkies as die eNONGQAI se Dame van die Jaar. Baie geluk! [Dit altyd wonderlik wanneer eweknieë mekaar vereer!] David Botha en Tiny Nortje was ook daar. Koos Brits mag maar afval maak! Dorothy Bell dit was my voorreg om jou vader te ontmoet! Ek het vandag lekker gesels - vir my was dit soos 'n skofbraai - lekker informeel en ook laaste maar nie die minste nie: Abrie Grobler - ook 'n voorreg om jou koffie te drink! Saluut! Hier oorhandig Johan Jacobs die sertifikaat en trofeetjie aan Petro Heyneke...veels geluk Petro en dankie dat jy nog steeds misdadigers aan die pen laat ry! JJ
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Sondag 18 Nov: Waldo Stoltz berig; 3 generasies van polisiemanne in die Stoltz familie by die graf van Joseph Cross Stoltz staan Grozelle Stoltz en Waldo Stoltz.
Sondag 18 Nov: Hennie Heymans berig: A news letter A news letter to all subscribers of the webpage “The South African Police Force” by Hennie Heymans Welcome to our new members on the website. November 2012 has been a very busy month for some of us! It is “party time” before the end of the year! However, we all can now settle down and start to “work” preserving the history of the South African Police. SAP 100 yrs (1913 – 2013) SAP 100 yrs – The SAP will be a hundred years old on the 1st of April 2013. A committee under General JV van der Merwe is busy compiling a publication to celebrate the event. Ms Sarie van Niekerk is the project manager and Brig Hennie Heymans is also serving on the working group. We, Sarie and I, have interviewed many former members of the SA Police. These people were eyewitnesses to historical events. Amongst those interviewed are: - Dr and Mrs Cruywagen, DVD, SOE; - Mr Adriaan Vlok; - Gen Mike Geldenhuys; - Gen and Mrs van der Merwe; - Gen and Mrs Pilot Loots; - Genl AF de la Rosa; - Genl HD Stadler; and - Gen JJ Viktor. 24
Stories Because Pretoria has the HQ we are fortunate to have many “Pretoria” stories. However we need more (police history) stories from the rest of South Africa (and that matter from rest of the world!) Invitation: Digital recordings We have also made digital recordings of some interviews. Please contact Brig Hennie Heymans if you wish to be interviewed and recorded for the sake of police-history. There are so many veterans that can contribute in this regard, or members who were eyewitnesses to great historic events! Please come forward! Serendipity: No 360 Det/Head/Const AJ Hoffmann, KPM According to Wikipedia: Serendipity means a "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise"; specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. A week or two ago I visited my old friend Mervyn “Merv” Emms. Apart from being a collector he is an expert on South African crimes – I would say he is amateur criminologist. Mevr asked me whether I knew a detective Hoffmann who wrote a book on South African crimes many years ago. Well this is where serendipity comes in: I bought a little booklet for R14-00 written by Mr AJ Hoffmann. I went and I checked and I found him to be a real person. He was a policeman in the South African Police with force number 360. I also established that he was decorated with the KPM. Merv put me in touch with his grandson. I was able to obtain photos of Mr Hoffmann and of his Good Service Medal. He was the first person in the police to be issued with a motorcycle. So thanks to Mevr we have got some information on this illustrious officer! Skaapbraai 17 November 2012 The readers of the eNONGQAI and veterans of the police who are members of SuidAfrikaanse Polisie – Afgetrede Lede het a lovely braai – a whole sheep was braaied! Thanks to all and watch the eNONGQAI for further news. Thanks to all involved. The eNONGQAI Dec 2012 We are compiling another interesting issue, thanks to your support! Next year we will celebrate our fourth year! TIMES FLIES AND WAITS FOR NO MAN! Police History in Southern Africa: Preservation and Conservation It is time to work! Please share with us your photos and old documents. We should start collecting books, periodicals, magazines etc with articles on the police and our 25
national security forces. An interesting thing about history The winner writes what he likes and the losers complain about the rules! We, as policemen, had sworn to do our duty to the best of our ability! Apart from riots and counter insurgency we were also involved in a secret and deadly covert war. The Queensbury Rules or the Geneva Rules did not apply. Once the undeclared war, in some circles, was taken underground it was: “Kill or be killed”. So we see that strategy is a mode of survival of a society! Survival at all costs while keeping to those values (sometimes those values worth dying for!) and (national) interests that we cherish and defend with our lives. We all knew the rules of engagement! We all knew the danger involved. We knew the rules of terrorism. It was our duty (and privilege) to serve and to protect! We had no choice. We did our best under very tiring and trying circumstances. All I can say is: “My friends and I are proud police veterans. We were proud to serve and to protect as members of the South African Police! We are proud to stand up and declare that we have been part of a fantastic team of dedicated men and women. Nobody died in vain! We shall remember those who were called to higher duty!!!” We did not have a road map! We did make mistakes along the way. Nobody is perfect. We had budgetary restraints. We had good and bad leadership. We did not make the law: We only tried enforced it the best way we could. We begged, borrowed and improvised along the way! We have left our monuments along the way for all to see! Judgement Day However one day we will have to stand and answer to our Maker: We did serve and we did protect the weak and the innocent to best of our ability. We did not enrich ourselves; we did not steal and we did not accept bribes, we did not give false evidence; we were loyal to Him who called us to serve and to protect. Be counted And so you should stand up and be counted! We thus invite you to help us to preserve our (police) history. 26
Contact Hennie Heymans at: heymanshb@gmail.com for further details.
Dinsdag 20 Nov: Isabel Kruger berig; Ek’s ‘n trotse ma. My seun Inus wat sy HON gedoen het in Rekenaaarprogramering is gisteraand onder die top 5 studente aangewys by die Pukke. NWU. Trots op hom. Groete tot die volgende Personalia
3. Honours & Awards / Eerbewyse & Toekennings -
3.1 Roll of Honour / Ererol -
3.2 SAP Graves: Benoni – Koos Brits -
3. 3 Friends Missing and Found! / SAP 55 Vermiste persone -
4. REUNIONS / REUNIES / EVENTS / GEBEURE 4.1 Skaap op die spit – 17 November 2012: Berig en foto’s deur Jeanette Jacobs Dit klink so gewoon!!! ‘Skaap op die spit’ was alles behalwe ‘gewoon’ - wanneer jy so ‘n klompie vriende en kollegas saam gooi vir ‘n kuier en lekker eet is dit ‘n besonderse, buitengewoon en ‘n heerlike ondervinding. Voor ons egter bymekaar kon kom was daar eers die logistieke reëlings wat voor af getref moes word. Die bymekaarkom plek is bespreek; ‘n lapa op ‘n heerlike plot waar rustigheid vir almal beloof word. Hierdie plekkie is ook baie spesiaal – dit is ‘n tydelike veilige hawe en pleegsorg vir verwaarloosde en vernielde kindertjies! Ons toegangsgelde is vir ‘n goeie doel aangewend! - Piet Fourie Dan word ons mildelike skenking van Piet Kierie Fourie, DIE SKAAP al die pad van Heidelberg af gebring en Vrydag aand laat in Brobsie se bekwame marineer-hande geplaas. Saterdag oggend is ene bedrywigheid van voorbereiding – ballonne by die
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hek dui ons ‘groot kuierplek’ aan en so vind elkeen binne ‘n paar uur ‘n vasstrap vasstrapkuierhoekie vir die dag! Die braaiers: Brobsie ie en sy seun Ettiene, neem ‘n blaaskansie – die skaap is harde werk en dis heng warm voor die spit! Ons maak kennis met nuwe gesigte en gesels met die bekendes land en sand. Ons deel ervaringe en groot onthou dae van gisters propvol opwinding, soms komi komies en soms seer herinneringe. Sjoe – wat ‘n kuiery gee dit nie als af nie. - Vrou van die Jaar-toekenning: toekenning: Petro Heyneke
toekenning! Hennie spreek almal toe. [Hy [ het “net Petro ontvang haar toekenning dankie” gesê en Neelsie se opdragte uitgevoer.] So tussen dit alles word die ‘Dame van die Jaar 2012’ aangewys – die wel verdiende eer val Petro Heyneke toe. ‘n Sertifikaat en trofee word aan haar oorhandig – Petro is oorweldig deur die gedagte en neem met groot nederigheid die toekenning aan.
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Tiny bekyk Petro se toekennings- Abrie Grobler, Neelsie Borea, Petro en sertifikaat! Hennie kuier sommer so staan-staan! [Hennie “toets” die skaap se stertjie! Blou lint aan Brobsie!] Later kom kuier die pa van Dorothy Bell, die 85 jarige oom Joe Bell, ook by ons – hierdie oom het ‘n uitsonderlike geheue vir ‘n man van sy jare en rammel magsnommers af asof hy die register van mags-lede ingesluk het! Die GROOT EET neem aanvang en die skaap sneuwel in die aanslag van nek tot stert!! Die stertjie was verorber deur ‘julle weet wie’ en die nek en selfs die bene was gestroop van elke smulstukkie sappige vleis deur die manne terwyl die dames heel keiskeurig aan die ander vleisies gesmul het.
Die skaap voor die groot eet!
Johan Jacobs het besluit dis tyd om vir die eerste keer afval te proe – hy was heerlik verras!
Afval: Koos en Marie Brits Daar was smaaklike afval deur Koos en Marie Brits voorberei, dit het selfs mense wat nog nooit afval geëet het, oortuig dat dit ‘n lekkerste dis is en toe word daar
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geproe en die potte was gou leeg! Vir die soettande is poeding en vla aangebied maar slegs enkeles het nog â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n plekkie in die maag oorgehad vir die heerlikheid. Te gou is die dag om en ons groet mekaar na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n genotvolle dag van uitmuntende gesels en eet tot ons weer sien! @JeanetteJacobs02/12/12
5. PERSOONLIKHEID VAN DIE MAAND - Lt-kol Ivan Myers, Honde-eenheid, Kaapstad
Hallo Oom Brigadier Hennie What can one say? Lang stryd.
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Dit is net ‘n moerse jammerte dat my goeie pel en broeder Andy Miller (SMIB) nie vandag met ons kon gewees het om hierdie uitslag te vier nie. Ek heg foto aan sodat jy kan sien wie ek is, ‘n Jood en pa se hond A2411 Cassius (Mei-maand oorlede.) Hy kon nie langer wag vir pa om terug huis toe te kom. Dankie tog het ek by die mag aangesluit in 1979 toe daar nog “leiers” met waardes was soos my eerste S.B, Patrick John Bosman wat my geleer het om vas te byt en professioneel te wees in die beroep van ‘n polisieman en om altyd geloofwaardig en eerlik te wees. Groete Ivan Myers PS: Die wat wil weet wat ek vir vyf en ‘n half jaar gedoen het – ek het geleer: • B Tech Labour Relations Management • B Tech Public Management • National Diploma Safety Management • National Diploma Human Resource Management Het ook vir twee privaat maatskapye vir n kort tydperk gewerk – nie eers hulle kon my duld nie . What an eye opener – and I thought the SAPS was deurmekaar. Kommentaar HBH:
Baie dankie Ivan en baie geluk! Ek het jou brief feitlik
onveranderd geplaas. As selferkende Jood weet jy dat daar volgens die Tulmud baie streng reëls is oor die versorging van vee en ander diere. Jare terug het ek gelees ‘n Jood moet eers sy diere en slawe versorg voor hy en die familie kan eet. Die Britse soldate het ons tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog en daarna in die ou polisiemag geleer: Versorg eers die perde (daar was toe nie honde); dan die manskappe, dan die onderoffisiere en dan laaste as almal versorg is, die offisiere. Ek is dankbaar dat jy na al die honde se belange omgesien het. Die Bybel sê as jy wil lei moet jy bereid wees om te dien! Indien jy eendag in Pat Bosman vasloop, dra asb my komplimente oor aan hom! Hy het ‘n kommissaris hier in Pretoria geword. Hy was ‘n goeie offisier en ‘n ware heer!
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6. PERSONALITIES & BIOGRAFICAL DICTIONARY/ PERSOONLIKHEDE / BIOGRAFIESE WOORDEBOEK 6.1 Konst Chris Lessing van Marshallplein: Paul Els
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6.2 Sers MJ Badenhorst en nr 20680 konst AG van Tonder: Malinda Lensing
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6.2.1 Genl-maj AG “Dries” van Tonder (opvolg) Konst AG van Tonder was “klein maar getrein” en boonop ‘n slim seun! Kyk na sy uitslae in die eksamen 1/sers na hoofkontabel en weer van h/konst na luitenant: In albei gevalle het hy derde gekom.
Hy was op sy dag die “reken- en betaalmeester” van die SA Polisie. Ek kan onthou hy het een maal per ongeluk van die 10de vloer in Wachthuis na die grondvloer geval. Hy het staan en gesels en het per ongeluk die “vuilgoed” se deur oopgemaak en na benede in die vuilisskag geval. Gelukkig het hy op ‘n klomp kartondose en papiere geval. Sover ek Ek kan hom nie as ‘n klein kan onthou, het hy niks oorgekom nie! persoon onthou nie! Op die slaaglys verskyn die name Hy was ‘n streng offisier en ook maar “kwaai”. Hy sou van talle bekende offisiere! nooit enige kullery gedoog het nie! Hy is enige kommissaris se droom rekenpligtige-finansiële-offisier.
6.3 No 20974K Lt. Richard Peter Barry - Malinda Lensing
Beste Malinda, Baie dankie vir hierdie kosbare foto’s. Dit voer mens se herinneringe terug na mens se jeug. As klein seuntjie tydens vakansies het ek Van Reenen se “pliesie” met so ‘n bakkie sien ry! 34
Sers Koos Coetzee, toe aan my bekend as Oom Koos, het met so ‘n bakkie my oupa en ouma besoek. As seuntjie het ek hom gevra waarom daar nie ‘n kappie op die voertuig is, soos die polisie in Durban? Sy antwoord was hièr ken hulle al die skelms en sal hulle nie weghardloop nie! Die eerste foto moes seker dateer uit die 1950’s? Die twee foto dateer uit die 1960’s. Toe het ek self so ‘n wa bestuur. Die jas? Vir die jonger manne: In die ou dae was die paaie vol stof en het alle inspekterende offisiere en chauffeurs op staatskoste so ‘n witjas gekry. (In die foto geneem na die slag van Ongulumbashe dra genl Crous ook so ‘n jas.) Die klerke in die store, die ordonnanse by die DG’s het ook die jas gedra. Dankie HBH
6.3.1 Mev Barry (eggenote wyle lt Barry) en Malinda Lensing
6.4 Boksheld Kallie Knoetse: via Rudi Venter Ons hoop, bid en vertrou dit gaan goed met klein Nuan.
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6.5 Kapt Alwyn Burger en Fleur: Paul Els
Kaptein Alwyn Burger was een die SA Polisie se bekendste offisiere, veral op sportgebied. (Ons het matriek geskryf gedurende 1963 toe om dit oor die nuus: “Konst AP Burger, seun van majoor Alwyn Burger, sportoffisier van die SA Polisiekollege, se seun is vandag oorlede. Konst Burger was te Pretoria-Wes gestasioneer en is doodgery terwyl hy opmetings by die toneel van ‘n botsing gemaak het!”) Dit is so tragies. Sy magnommer is 42018. 36
Ek dink Alwyn Burger het as ‘n brigadier afgetree. Wat ek nog van hom onthou? Ek was 1964 in die kollege en tydens een van sy besoeke aan Durban het ek in hom vasgeloop. Dit was een of ander polisie-byeenkoms en toe ek hom groet toe weet hy wie ek is. Sy optrede het my ongelooflik beïndruk. (Hy het my seker opgemerk en toe vir iemand gevra wie ek is.) Maar toe ons groet toe kom dit : “Goeie naand, Hennie, hoe gaan dit?” Genl Frik van Zyl het my eendag die wenk gegee om ‘n notaboekie te dra. Wanneer mens ‘n stasie in jou wyk besoek het, onthou mens die lede se name en later hou mens stil en skryf die name neer. So, vertel hy, het hy lede se name onthou! Brig Burger was, in my opinie, een die “smaart ouens” in die Mag gewees!
6.6 No 25199 maj Joseph Usher Bell (SAP, RI, BSV, NI) alias “Oom Joe”: Maj Dorothy “Dossie” Bell
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Oom Joe was ‘n jong matrikulant in 1948. Hy vertel hy kon nie “buite werk” nie, hy was te jonk! Ons gesels te lekker by die skaapbraai en hy ryg die magnommers af van ou Durbanpolisiemanne: Grobler, Heymans, Zietsman, Steenkamp, (Paul) Roux, (Snorre) Roux, Harmse, Earle, Engels, Muller, Smit, Sadie, (Piet) Niemand. Hy ken al die manne. Hy vertel hoe kapt Piet Kemp hom getoets het! Hy het egter net die blanke lede se magnommers geken! Hy ken al die ou gebeure in en om Durban. Oom Joe is stigterslid van die Republikeinse Intelligensiediens, die Buro vir Staatsveiligheid en NI. Hy is van genl Mike Geldenhuys se oorspronklike handuitgesoekte lede. Kommentaar HBH Dis die “Durban-Connection”. Baie lede wat in Durban gedien het, het genl Mike Geldenhuys in Durban geken en baie van die lede is na RI of die Buro. Volgens my waarneming, as dit by veiligheid gekom het, was daar die “Johannesburgkonneksie” en die “Durban-konneksie”. Johannesburg het die volgende senior veiligheidsmanne opgelewer: Genl HJ van den Bergh, genl Mike Geldenhuys, genl Tiny Venter, genl PW Kruger en genl Johann Coetzee. Durban het die volgende senior veiligheidsmanne opgelewer: genl CF Zietsman en genl FMA Steenkamp en ‘n hele rits na genl Steenkamp wat op sy personeel gedien het, nl genl’s HD Stadler, Piet du Toit, Nic van Rensburg, SJ de Swart (later taakmag) en I Coetzee en baie ander! Genl Basie Smit was as jong luitenant te RI Durban. Genl Johan van der Merwe was die buiteperd! Hy was eers in bevel van grensposte, toe van die Vrystaat en SWA daarna het hy die V-Tak oorgeneem. Hy was ‘n uniformtakman. Hy en genl Mike Geldenhuys was die enigste “uniformtak” lede om veiligheid oor te neem. Die ander veiligheidshoofde was almal speurders. (Genl Mike was vroeër ‘n speurder en het weer na die uniformtak gekom ten einde ‘n 1/sersant te word.) Baie stigterslede van RI en die Buro vir Staatsveiligheid was in Durban in die uniformtak of speurders gewees. (Sal nie name verstrek nie!)
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6.7 Medals: No 360 Former Detective Head Const AJ Hoffmann – Andre Hoffmann
Politie Dienst: Voor Trouwe Dienst
6.8 “Scotty Smith” or maybe George St Leger Gordon Lennox? Trooper & Farrier (FMAP); Scout (UDF – W/O) and Justice of the Peace “Scotty Smith, (Perth, Scotland 22.11. 1845 - Upington 26.10.1919) He claimed that his real name was George St Leger Gordon Lennox. He joined a Highland regiment at 18 and 39
served on the Indian NW Frontier in 1864 - 5, where he distinguished himself by his bravery in the Ambala Campaign. For disobeying orders and leading a successful charge on the enemy he was court-martialled and cashiered, but reinstated by the Duke of Cambridge. His father apparently disinherited him when he refused to marry the neighbour's daughter. He left for Australia and was called Smith on account of shoeing a horse on the ship. He shot a man there in a fight, then fled to America. Smith learnt to box while in America, then returned to Europe to serve in the Franco- Prussian War. He was wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans. He later fought for the Carlists in the 18726 Spanish War. In 1877 he joined the FAMP for service in the Galeka War in South-Africa. For a time he was a farrier at Kokstad. In 1881 he stole two horses and deserted. A life of being a bandit, highwayman, cattle thief, bank robber, IDB scoundrel, etc followed. Many tales of his Robin Hood lifestyle followed, especially in the Northern Cape. About 1890 he trekked to Luitenantspan, deep in the Kalahari, where he occupied a large farm illegally and used it for the next 20 years. Smith befriended the Bushmen and learnt from them the art of desert survival. In 1892 Smith married Sarah van Niekerk and had two sons and five daughters. During the SA War Smith served as a scout and secret service agent for the British. For this he was given a pardon and made a JP. During WWI Scotty Smith served as a Warrant Officer, scout and in military intelligence in SWA and is credited with having saved Gen Botha from an enemy ambush. He spent his last years in retirement on a plot he had acquired in Upington. He possibly died of influenza, as the epidemic was raging, and is buried in Upington.â&#x20AC;? Source: Ian Uys: South African Military: Whose Who p 219.
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Acknowledgements:
• • •
Abbott, Dr Henry – for photgraph no 1 Prinsloo, Gerald (SANDF Archive): UDF Service card Uys, Ian: Short biography
6.9. “Kalahari Mac” Ek lees dat Kalahari Mac se vader ‘n polisieman in die Noord-Kaap was. Kalahari Mac het vyf boeke gepubliseer. Meer inligting is welkom oor Kalahari Mac.
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6.10 Senior SAP Dames, Maleoskop: Dorothy Bell
Mans voor: Ds Colijn, genl Hennie de Witt, mnr A Vlok, genl “Tjocklets” van Vuuren en genl H de Villiers. Dames op die foto: Ek kan net twee positief identifiseer: Kapt Dagmar Wolmarans en kol Groenewald. Agter heel links: ??? Louw van Protokol.
6.11 Maurice Early Jones (CMR) – Ray Ellis (Australia)
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6.12 OOSRAND – EENHEID 6 se Mense: Anemarie Jansen 6.12.1 Louis Pretorius aan die woord: Drie Geslagte Pretorius in die SA Polisie Oupa Nicolaas François Pretorius sluit by die Z A Polisie aan in 1910 as `n berede konstabel. Hy was gestasioneer te Pretoria.
Foto 2: Oupa Nick groepfoto1
Hierdie foto toon lede van No 3 Troop, “F” Squadron, SAP. Hulle het te Brixtonrif geveg van 10 tot 12 Maart 1922 - HBH 1
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Gedurende die 19162 opstande doen hy te perd diens in Johannesburg. Sover ek verstaan, was hy ook betrokke by die vaskeer van die Vorster bende in `n grot naby Johannesburg. Oupa is later jare na Amsterdam verplaas waar hy sersant was asook Bevelvoerder van die stasie. Oupa het etlike jare hier diens gedoen. Op `n stadium bars sy blindederm, en dit word eers na `n tydperk van tien dae vasgestel! Hy is inderhaas na Pretoria vervoer waar `n noodoperasie op hom uitgevoer is. Na `n lang tydperk het hy die Polisiediens verlaat om te gaan boer. Die presiese datums kan ek nie onthou nie.
Foto 3: Louis Senior Pa Louis (Senior) Pretorius sluit by die SAP aan in 1954. Hy word in die Kollege opgelei as `n drilinstrukteur. Na sy ses maande opleiding word hy uitgeplaas na Nigel aan die Oos-Rand. Hier doen hy diens in die aanklagkantoor, asook patrolliewerk. Tydens nagskof het hulle te fiets patrollie gery in die verskillende woonbuurte en die sentrale dorpsgebied is te voet gepatrolleer. Elke uur is hy deur die dienssersant besoek wat dan sy sakboekie geteken het. In 1956 word hy na Benoni gestuur vir gevorderde bestuursopleiding. Hy het daarna as Aflos op die Blitspatrollie in Hillbrow gewerk. Die blitspatrollie was toe onder die bevel van
Is hy seker van die datum? Die rebellie en opstand teen Duitsers in die Unie was gedurende 1914. Die Foster-bende was tydens dieselfde tydperk. Genl Koos de la Rey is deur die SAP te Langlaagte geskiet op 15 Sept 1914 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HBH.
2
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Kaptein Wepener – die kaptein het, indien reg onthou word, later jare `n majoor geword. Louis Snr se werksmaat se bynaam was Shlê Shlê. Hierdie ou was verskriklik groot en so sterk soos `n bees. Hy was byna sewe voet lank. Hy het die “Ducktails” hel gegee, en was gevrees en bekend onder hulle. Die “Ducktails” was `n groepbeweging wat daarop uit was om wanorde te saai en “fights” te veroorsaak in die nagklubs en kroeë. Hulle het die polisie absoluut geteiken, en die polisie moes hulle dan dienooreenkomstig verwyder of arresteer. Die Blitsmotors wat in daardie jare gebruik was, was die Studebaker Lark en Fords. Louis Snr het nooit vir die polisie geboks nie, maar wel op skoolvlak en later vir “USCO” as amateur. Hy tree uit diens van die polisie aan die einde van 1957.
Foto 4: Louis Pretorius 45
Louis Pretorius sluit op 23 Desember 1985 aan by die polisie. Na sy ses maande opleiding word hy in 1986 uitgeplaas na Eenheid 6 in Dunnottar, as deel van die groot inname van 120 polisiemanne, en twee polisievrouens. Louis se ervarings gedurende die onluste word in `n volgende artikel bespreek. Pa Louis onthou Louis Jnr as volg: “Louis was `n liefdevolle kind. Altyd baie nuuskierig, slim en het van kleins af baie gepraat. By oueraand het die onderwysers keer op keer vir my gesê: `Louis is so `n oulike seun, maar praat hy by die huis ook so baie?` Jy het van jongs af leierseienskappe getoon. Jy het `n goeie sangstem gehad en verskeie hoofrolle in konserte en operettes gesing. Wanneer ek orrel gespeel het, het jy altyd uit volle bors saamgesing. Ek het jou leer swem toe jy vyf jaar oud was en jou vir jou matriekafskeid leer dans. Jy het graag later jare saam met my gedans op funksies, so dat mense gepraat het van hoe goed ons twee saam dans. Jy was `n goeie Voortrekker my seun, en het ook karate geneem.” 6.12.1 VERVOLGENS `N BLIK OP DIE MILITÊRE GESKIEDENIS VAN DIE UNIE VAN SUID-AFRIKA, VERSKAF DEUR LOUIS JUNIOR. DIE VOLLEDIGE TESIS IS BESKIKBAAR TER INSAE.
6.12.2 The Role and Application of the Union Defence Force in the Suppression of Internal Unrest, 1912 – 1945: Andries Marius Fokkens Thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Military Science (Military History) at the Military Academy, Saldanha, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. Supervisor: Lieutenant Colonel (Prof.) G.E. Visser Co-supervisor: Dr. W.P. Visser Date of Submission: September 2006 OPSOMMING Die gebruik van militêre mag in die onderdrukking van interne onrus is ‘n algemene verskynsel in die geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika. Sedert 1652 het die Europese koloniale besetting van Suid-Afrika gepaard gegaan met geweld. Boerekommando’s en Britse militêre regimente en vrywilligereenhede het die vrede in verafgeleë gebiede gehandhaaf en die plaaslike bevolkings onderwerp, net soos ander koloniale moondhede, byvoorbeeld, Frankryk in Noord-Afrika en Duitsland in Duits-Suidwes-Afrika gedoen het.
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Die periode van 1912 tot 1945 was geen uitsondering nie, maar met die verskil dat opstande ook onder die blanke bevolking onderdruk is. In 1907, 1913, 1914 en 1922 het die blanke industriële werkers sodanige onderdrukking ervaar. Werksonsekerheid en loongeskille was die dryfkrag agter die stakings en die stakers se militante optrede het die regering gedwing om militêre mag te gebruik om die opstande te onderdruk, nadat die polisie se pogings om wet en orde te handhaaf, misluk het. Die publiek was sterk gekant teen sulke hardhandige optrede en Genl. J.C. Smuts het veral onder kritiek deurgeloop, wat tot sy politieke nederlaag gelei het. Opstandige inheemse bevolkings in Suid-Afrika en Suidwes-Afrika soos die Israeliete (1921), die Bondelswarts (1922), die Rehoboth Basters (1925) en die Ukuambi (1932) het deurgeloop onder strafekspedisies van elemente van die Unie van Suid-Afrika se polisie en weermag. Die inheemse bevolking is gegrief deur die regering se implementering van brandmerkwette, geforseerde kontrakarbeid, hut- en hondebelasting. Die regering se rassebeleid van die tyd het ‘n meester-en-onderdaan-houding teenoor die inheemse bevolkings geskep, wat die teer kwessie van beperkte politieke regte vererger het. Opstande deur inheemse bevolkings wat militant van aard was, is op ‘n vinnige en ekonomiese manier onderdruk, dog het skerp kritiek uitgelok. Die benutting van vliegtuie om die opstande te onderdruk was ‘n magsvermenigvuldiger wat die klein polisie- en weermag gehelp het om verliese tydens die onderdrukking van opstande aan beide kante te beperk. Die regering het ook opstande van Afrikanergroepe tydens die Eerste en Tweede Wêreldoorlog onderdruk. In 1914-1915 het prominente Afrikanerleiers en veterane van die Anglo-Boereoorlog militant opgeruk teen die regering in verset oor die regering se deelname aan die Eerste Wêreldoorlog. Genl. L. Botha en Genl. Smuts was die argitekte van die vinnige onderdrukking van die opstande deur die Aktiewe Burgermag op te roep en hoofsaaklik Afrikaanssprekende vrywilligers te gebruik. Die periode tussen die twee Wêreldoorloë is gekenmerk deur die groei van die Afrikaner op politieke, sosiale en in ‘n beperkte mate, ook ekonomiese gebied. Hieruit het verdere onenigheid op politieke en sosiale vlak ontstaan toe die regering weer besluit het om aan die kant van Brittanje tot die Tweede Wêreldoorlog toe te tree. Ou vyandighede tussen Afrikaans- en Engelssprekendes het herleef en 47
militante elemente binne die Afrikanersamelewing het gemobiliseer om die deelname te belemmer. Die regering het die Unieverdedigingsmag en die SA Polisie gebruik vir internering, spioenering en die beveiliging van strategiese doelwitte teen sabotasie en ander aktiwiteite wat die oorlogsdeelname sou belemmer. Smuts het die meeste kritiek ontvang van Afrikaners wat gekant was teen die oorlog, asook die publiek in die algemeen wat gebuk gegaan het onder krygswet. 3
7. Over a nice cup of coffee ... or how I see things / Oor ‘n koppie lekker koffie ... of soos ek die saak sien: Aandag "Parade Aandag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nasionale Saluut! Presenteer geweer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Die Oranje, wit en blou vlag word stadig gehys en “Die Stem” word gespeel.) Manne staan op parade. Almal ernstig! Ek dink aan die woorde van “Die Stem” en watter wonderlike voorreg dit is om lid van die SA Polisie te wees. Ek is jonk en idealisties – nog nie verknog nie! Die verknogtheid kom later, baie later. Daar wag ook seker verknogte berusting? Ek weet nie. Die son brand neer en mens ruik net “Nugget”-politoer en “Brasso”! (Miskien ook hier en daar walms van die droogskoonmakers en motbolle van die uniformstukke soos die son neerbrand op die uniforms en die pette!) Hier en daar het 'n ou hoendervleis! Natuurlik is die “Die Stem” aangrypend: Die seremonie vergestalt die hoogste belange van die staat en omvat al ons hoogste waardes en belange. Selfs die perde proes nie! Selfs die perde is ook onder die besef dat hierdie ‘n plegtige oomblik is. Ons sweer trou! Aan die anderkant staan mense op die verhoog. Offisiere, dames en here, kinders. Baie goud en “brass”, medaljes wat die skerp Afrikason weerkaats. Offisiere salueer! Met die laaste akkoorde van die Stem skree die offisier: "Skouer geweer!" Dis net een flink beweging! "Sit af geweer!"
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Dit klink na ‘n skitterende verhandeling. Mens sal dit graag onder oog wil kry – HBH.
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"PARADE! Op die plek rus!!!" Ek wil net graag vir maj LG Snyman, OBE ("Oom Vingers") bedank vir hierdie pragtige herinnering! (Ek kon tot hoor hoe Ginger Bain so paar ekstra houe op die groot drom ingekry het!) OKei manne: "Staan en rus." (Vroutjie roep ek moet kom stofsuig en dadelik is die euforie, die goue oomblik daarmee heen! Terug in die werklikheid!) Verknogte Ek het nou uitgevind wat ek is: Ek is ‘n verknogte! Verknog aan ‘ou’ goed. Die SA Polisie het bitter min tradisies waarvan ek weet. (Weet iemand wat ons ‘ou’ SA Polisie se tradisies is? Deel dit dan asb met my.) Al weet ek nie wat ons tradisies is nie, is ek steeds verknog aan die ou polisie, aan die ou waardes aan die ou Vlag en aan ou Die Stem van Suid-Afrika. Skiet my dood: Hoe kan ek verander? Na jare se opleiding, parades, vlaghysings en beoefening van my kultuur? Dis my vlag, dit was die vlag wat ek by die polisiestasie gehys het, dit was die vlag op my uniform, die vlag op my kamerade se kis. (Op skool het ons gesing: Rooi, wit en blou is die Engelse se gebrou. Oranje, blanje blou ....”) Was hierdie goeters nie maar positiewe indoktrinasie nie? Die ou SA Polisie het ‘n pragtige kenteken : Ek is ook baie lief vir die kenteken! Dit was op elke briefhoof! In my denke is ek Christelik-liberaal, (leef en laat leef, u weet), ek het meer Engelssprekende familie as Afrikaners, maar ek stam uit mense wat teen die Engelse baklei het. Ons is van die Koekemoere van die Anglo-Boereoorlog, het my vader altyd gesê. Dit het my spesiaal laat voel! Wat gaan vir wat? Ek het geweet wat gaan vir wat! Ek het die geskiedenis baie goed geken. Die Anglo-Boereoorlog. Die Nazi’s en al daai goed, die SS en Himler en die Gestapo. Ek was ‘n aanhanger van Sir Winston Churchill, as aanklagtekantoorsersant op twee weke nagdiens het ek sy dik boeke
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verslint! Wat ‘n man! (Soos pres SJP Kruger, soos genl’s CR de Wet en Koos de la Rey!) Ja, daar was oomblikke in die polisie wat ek nie trots gevoel het nie! Maar ek was trots op my vader, my DK en ander offisiere en ons SB. Hulle was ons rolmodelle. Ons het regtig stupid wette gehad. Toe ek verstand gekry het, het ek gedink: Om agter wette weg te kruip, mens net swak maak. In die nuwe Suid-Afrika stap ek eendag in ‘n generaal se kantoor. Hy het die nuwe vlag in sy kantoor. Hy is oënskynlik lojaal aan die SAPD en die nuwe bestel. Die probleem is egter: Die vlag is onderste bo! Ek kan nie my lojaliteit oornag verander nie! (Is die lojaliteit agv subtiele breinspoeling van kleins af? Ek weet nie!) Ek weet regtig nie of ek as verknogte in die nuwe polisiediens sou kon inpas nie? Sou ek myself verloën het? As ou veiligheidsman, oudlid van die Sekretariaat van die Staatsveiligheidsraad? As iemand wat deur majoor Neels du Plooy opgelei is, wat ons geleer het dat generaal Jesus Christus in bevel is van die veiligheidstak? Sou ek? Ek is ‘n ou verknogte en so sal ek maar eerder doodgaan in die land van verlore geleenthede! Na verloop van tyd het ek tot die besef gekom ek is ‘n wit Afrikaner van Afrika: Suid-Afrika is my land ook! Ek sal my voeg tot die lojale opposisie! Ja, ek is trots op my witgeid: Net soos die Black Lawyers of die Black Officers Forum trots is op hul swartgeid! Weerpraatjies word misdaadpraatjies In die ou dae het ons sommer oor die weer gepraat indien jy iemand bv op die stasie se perron ontmoet het. Nou praat ons oor misdaad as ons 'n gesprek wil begin. Raai, ek sien in Beeld vanoggend: Hulle het ingebreek by Oom Pik se seun op dieselfde perseel! Kan julle dit glo! [Ons vergeet van die groot moorde, diè op mev De Klerk, op Eugene Terre Blanche en op ons familie, vriende en kollegas op ons plase en in ons stede.] Ek was in my jeug 'n student aan die Universiteit van Natal (Durban) - Those hallowed halls of learning. Wat ‘n wonderlike ondervinding om daar tussen die statige geboue te beweeg. Ek sien 'n Skandinawiese dame-student is daar 24 keer met 'n mes gesteek! Haar skootrekenaar was die mikpunt van die wrede aanval! By die universiteit nogal. Kan julle dit glo? Wonder wat diè lightie swot? Seker praktiese kriminologie? 50
So terloops: Wat verder tot my geleerdheid bygedra het was die onbeskryflike snaakse humor - graffiti in die toilette en soms in die klas. [Vgl “Please don’t feed the Lecturer”; en op die rektor, prof OPF Horwood gemik: “Horwood? Whorewood? What any whore would!” Have a banana! So van studente humor gepraat: Studente betoog in Durban voor Saambougebou – die Afkom se kantoor was daar. Maj JC van Niekerk drink ‘n dop in die Offisiersklub en hoe meer hulle skree en betoog hoe meer lig hy sy glas vir hulle. Daar kom ‘n rooi munisipale bus op die hoek verby en die busdrywer hou stil en skree: “Hey you monkeys, have a banana!”, terwyl hy ‘n tros piesangs uithou na hulle!
Inside Information Een ou iewers boer met renosters. Toe hy om 'n vervoer/verwyderingspermit aansoek doen is hy dadelik die slagoffer van renoster stropery! Dit lyk my die skelms het orals "bronne" - by die bank, by die polisiestasie, by natuurbewaring, by die lisensiekantoor. Noem dit en die ouens het bronne! Ons weet almal die SAP is afhanklik van bronne. Ek staan in die ry om my bestuurslisensie te hernu – dis een van die nuwe plae in die NSA – en ek praat met die swart dame langs my. Sy kom van Malawi en werk by Binnelandse Sake. Hoe veilig is ons paspoorte en ons verblyfregpermitte. Vorm SAP 8 raak ook maar sommer weg en ipv om gedeporteer te word kry jy blywende vestiging? Hoe veilig is ons sigwaarde vorms? Is daar enige, enige respek oor vir ons Reg? Of is sy nog besig om te herstel na die (simboliese) verkragting? Afsondering Ek dink diep terug in ons landsgeskiedenis en ek dink aan die ontwikkeling van “afsonderlikheid” – het ons die pad nie geloop van die Oos-Grens, Bloukrans, Weenen, Bloedrivier, Moorddrift en Moordraai nie? Is dit nie waar dit begin het nie? Ons veiligheid het gelê in ons afsondering. Soort by soort – en die veldkornet is in bevel; as daar moeilikheid kom dan roep hy die kommandant en die kommando. Boere is vredeliewend, al misdaad is “stook en poach”, veral jag op kroonwild. Ou dr Lamb en ek praat baie oor die ontwikkeling van die Hollander na vryburger, na plaasboer, na trekboer, na voortrekker, na “Boer en Burger” en vandaar na die moderne Afrikaner. In die ou dae as die trekboer ‘n ander skoorsteen sien, trek hy! 51
Altyd op trek na Utopia waar hy “alleen” in afsondering kan boer met vee en so nou en dan iets piets vir die pot. Ek lees van die boere in die Moot; hier van Pretoria af na Botswana toe. Hulle het vrugte, tabak, mampoer, graan, mielies en vleis gehad! In hulle eie wêreld gewoon. (Gedurende 1879 was hulle al te bly toe Engelse die Transvaal annekseer het. Nou is die moeilikheid die Britte sin. Hulle wil boer! Die driemanskap het toe die situasie omgekeer in 1881.) En ja, daar was minimale korrupsie maar ook ontug en owerspel! Die landdros hou aan om die konstawel uit te stuur op patrollie en toe vang die konstabel die landdros: Onder die bed! Ja, daar was perdediewe – destyds die laagste vorm van lewe! Maar die ou boere was vredeliewende mense – om op kommando te gaan was ook vir hulle lastig. Daarom het meeste gekla van aambeie! Jy kon ook iemand “huur” om in jou plek op kommando te gaan. Vrymesselaars Die enigste geheime organisasie destyds was die Vrymesselaars – die Nederlandse tak van die beweging wat hier ontkiem het in die tyd van die VOC. Die eerste losie staan op die Parlement se grond, of is dit andersom? Die Afrikaanse Broederbond het eers later gekom in 1918. Die Bond het altruïstiese doelstellings gehad en die saak van die Afrikaner oor ‘n wye front bevorder. (Tydens WO2 was die Bond baie deeglik deur Militêre Inligting dopgehou. Ek het sommige van die argiefstukke bekom.) Die resultate van die Bond is deur SEB opgesuig. Vandag is daar nie veel oor nie. Hebsug: Diamante, goud, drank en staatskas Diamante, goud en drank (later bietjie dagga) was die begin van ons koverte werk in die polisie. Met die myne het die werkersorganisasies gekom met Bill Andrews aan die spits, toe kom kommunisme en toe hulle sien hul kan nie van die Boere kommuniste maak nie, (daar was wel ‘n paar Boere-kommuniste), toe kyk hulle na die swartmense en hiervandaan het die probleme gekom. Na die tweede wêreldoorlog is die wêreld op sy kop gekeer en ons kon waarneem hoe die mensdom verander het – en nou sit ons weer in ‘n rewolusie: Die stryd tussen die wat HET en die wat nie het nie. Die wat nie het nie kan nie verstaan waarom hulle niks het nie! Ek slaan my oë op na die Berge. Hoe kan mense nie sien daar is verskil tussen die staatskas en jou eie bankrekening nie? 52
Eendag vertel een van die senior-offisiere dat hy inspeksie in die Noord-Kaap gedoen het. By een plekkie was ‘n ao McDonald. Toe hulle sy staande voorskot nagaan toe sit hy nog met “ou” tien rand note! Hy word gesê om die geld aan te wend. “Nee, kolonel! Dis mos staatsgeld!” is sy verweer. Ons werk 12-uur skofte in die Burgerspark Hotel en (destyds) kol JJ Viktor is ons bevelvoerder. Hy sê: “Julle is genomineer om daar te werk. Julle is xxx-vreters en niemand sit ‘n eis in vir kos of wat ook al!” Finish en klaar! Ons het spaarsaam met staatsgeld omgegaan! Ek dink ons NSA-waardes4 is besig om te versleg! Wat die BEE (SEB) betref sê my jong seun gisteraand: “Pa dis ‘n goeie ding! Dit maak ons net beter!” Ek het nogal lank oor diè een gedink. So word hulle ook maar slagoffers van hulle eie wette!
8. WE REMEMBER / ONS ONTHOU 8.1 Stilte in die Hof – Lentulus 8.1.1 Titel: Gerook, M'Lord? In die vroeë 80's was ek beheer-landdros by 'n landdros kantoor in die platteland. Een van my pligte was om elke maand die bewysstuk-kamer 'skoon' te maak en die bewysstukke ten opsigte waarvan daar 'n vernietigingsbevel gegee is, gepas te vernietig. Dit het gewoonlik 'n streepsak of twee dagga ingesluit. In daardie dae (Gods, ek klink oud...) het ons daagliks 'n kwota bandiete van die plaaslike tronk as arbeiders ontvang. Met hulle hulp het ek agter in die landdros kantoor se werf 'n vlak gat gegrawe. Elke laaste Vrydag van die maand is die dagga dan in die gat gegooi. Die Staatsgarage het my van ou afgetapte motor olie voorsien wat oor die dagga gegooi is. Dit is so twee ure gemarinate om goed te deurweek en dan brand gesteek. Dagga smoor maklik dood, so die bandiete moes met vurke die mengsel gereeld omdolwe. Almal weet hoe Die Manne by 'n braaivleis, bier in die hand, om die braaier staan en rugby, politiek en k@k praat. Hulle doen ook die 'rook-dans' en hou aan om die vuur te beweeg ten einde uit die rook te bly. Wel 'n dagga-braai werk teenoorgesteld: Die bandiete doen ook die 'rook-dans' maar hul hou aan om die vuur te beweeg ten einde in die rook te bly. Hul maar laat begaan. Gods, hoeveel plesiertjies het 'n man dan in die tronk?
4
Nuwe Suid Afrika - HBH
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Die Hoof van die Gevangenis deel my later mee dat die bandiete skoon vuisslaan om die laaste Vrydag van die maand na die landdros kantoor 'uitgeboek' te word.
8.2 Face Book: Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie – Afgetrede Lede -
8.3 Geduld, o geduld wat so baie kan dra! Coert Marais (Pmb) Passief? Geduldig?Lankmoedig? En al daai dinge. Dit is wat ek regtig wil wees. Dan gebeur dinge soos politiek, maar ek probeer daar uit bly. DAN gebeur dinge soos gister...... Ek en Louise ry deur die strate van Pietermaritzburg op pad Pensioenkantoor toe. Al die geskiedkundige geboue is betrek deur honderde "vlugtelinge". Die strate is vuil en vol gemors. Mense loop oor die paaie en die karre moet keer of hul word raakgery. Die taxi’s stop en ry waar hul wil. Ons kry WETTIGE parkering in die besige straat reg voor die ingang na die pensioenkantoor in Langalibalelestraat5, op die hoek met Chief Albert Lutulistraat. Ons is gelukkig, want daar staan ander karre dubbel geparkeer in die straat, sonder bestuurders of passasiers. Louise klim uit, want dit is vir my moeilik om die kar alleen daar te laat. 'n Groot "dame" klim uit 'n bakkie, wat sy reg langs my, dubbel geparkeer, net so laat en padgee. 5 Minute later kom Louise uit. Nou sit ons en wag vir 25 minute. Vas geparkeer. Ek skakel die verkeerspolisie en vertel hul die probleem. Hul verstaan nie wat so 'n groot probleem is nie. Ek raak opgewonde. My bloeddrukpille en kalmeermiddels wil nie meer werk nie. Uiteindelik verstaan die verkeersbeampte dat ek nie gelukkig is met die situasie nie. Nou verduidelik ek waar ek geparkeer is. Hy weet nie waar dit is nie. Uiteindelik verstaan hy. Hy gee die name van die strate aan as Loop en Durbanweg. Let wel, EK het dit as die nuwe straatname aangegee. Duidelik is die nuwe benamings niks werd nie. Hy sal iemand uitstuur. Moet se, ek sal seker nou nog gewag het as dit nie was dat die dame van die bakkie daar aangekom het nie. Teen DIE tyd het ek al buite die kar gestaan en dans, asof op 'n baie warm pad. Louise bly my kalmeer. Baie rustig vra ek die dame "Madam, how can you park like this and just leave your vehicle?" Boetie, was ek arrogant om so 'n vraag te vra!? Ek word vertel dat dit geregtig is om dit te doen. Ek se dat ek die Polisie gekontak het. Ek word vertel dat sy nie bang is nie, want die polisie is haar vriende. Na 'n vurige gesprek, meestal van haar kant af, laat sy my toe om te ry. Let wel, toe ek ry, is al die ander karre nog steeds daar dubbel geparkeer. Geen verkeerspolisie in sig nie. Ek kan nog uitbrei, maar "rest my case". Sal maar weer bid vir my verdraagsaamheid.
5
Die “Natal Mounted Police” is in 1874 gestig juis agv die Langalibalele–opstand - HBH
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8.4 Ons vir Jou Suid-Afrika: via Rudi Venter
9 NATIONAL SECURITY NEWS / NUUS EN NASIONALE VEILIGHEID 9.1 Whistle-blowing officer reinstated 9.1.1 Ivan Myers: Jan van Wyk
Oorwinning vir een van ons makers. Groete Jan. 2012-11-30 13:30 Cape Town - A senior policeman has won a five-year-battle to overturn his dismissal for exposing a suspected dog food scandal, it was reported on Friday. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Thursday ruled in favour of Ivan Myers, who was dismissed in 2007 for contravening police discipline regulations, the Cape Times reported. Myers, who headed the Maitland Dog Unit at the time, spoke to the media about the dogs' alleged malnutrition, after rations were reduced from 700g to 500g a day. Some press reports at the time alleged the dogs had resorted to eating their own 55
excrement. Myers was dismissed for speaking out and ordered to pay a R500 fine. Ecstatic The dispute went through a long review process and ended up in the Labour Court, which found in his favour. This decision was then overturned by the Labour Appeal Court in March. The SCA set aside the appeal court's ruling, finding that the unreasonableness of Myer's dismissal was sufficient to intervene. Myers told the newspaper he was happy the court battle was over. "I am ecstatic that justice has prevailed, and looking forward to returning to my rightful place in the SA Police Service." - SAPA
9.2. Whistle-blowing officer reinstated Hello Hennie, Ek het Ivan Meyers nou onlangs ontmoet, en hy is een van ons Bondlede omdat hy ontslaan was uit die Polisie. Hy het sy saak baklei, tot in die Appel hof. Uitspraak was Vrydag (30 Nov 2012) en is moet weer in diens geneem word. -----------Lees sy epos hieronder asook sy (Meyers) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heads of Argumentâ&#x20AC;? bladsy 27 en 28. Sy foto is ook hier. Plaas asb dit in ons Facebook Ek heg sommer my heads of argument ook aan. Claims of starving police dogs worry welfare bodies: Leila Samodien. Staff Reporter Animal welfare organisations are outraged by recent allegations that local police dogs are so malnourished that they are resorting to eating their own faeces. But police have denied the allegations. It was reported in a Cape Town Afrikaans morning newspaper yesterday that the dogs were not given sufficient food, driving them to eat their faeces to get vitamins.
56
The dogs are kept and trained at the Pinelands police dog unit near the Maitland police station. It was believed that some police dogs could not concentrate properly because they were hungry and were distracted by food when sniffing out explosives or drugs, according to the report. SPCA spokeswoman Cher Poznanovich said police dogs' food had been reduced from a daily intake of 750g to 500g. A report handed in by the SPCA late yesterday noted observations made by an inspector. The report said that all the dogs except two were in a "good healthy condition". One of the two exceptions had undergone an operation and another had "seemed a little thin". The Cape Argus visited the dog unit yesterday and found only three dogs training. Officers there refused to answer questions. Poznanovich said the problem had to be sorted out or the dogs' would not be able to work properly. She said the SPCA did not want to criticise the department until it had taught police officers how to properly nourish the animals. Some of the dogs might have worms or be ill, which would explain their behaviour, she said. "We have to educate them (police) before we prosecute them.
"We won't get
anywhere until they understand how these dogs are meant to be treated." Police spokesman Superintendent Billy Jones said the dogs' diet was specified by the police vet. "There is a prescribed amount of food for the dogs, but, individually, every dog is being continuously re-evaluated and weighed." The police have hired an additional external vet to conduct a separate investigation. The chairwoman of the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, June Woodman, was enraged by the alleged malnourishment, saying the dogs had to be properly nourished for the strenuous jobs they did. "I can't believe that 57
these dogs' food and facilities are funded by the government budget and they go hungry. "Even at our organisation, where we have limited re-sources and depend on public donations, no animal ever goes hungry," she said. Woodman said that al-though the police dogs' food intake had been reduced by 250g, what mattered was the quality of that food they were consuming. "If they eat better quality food, more can be absorbed and they would have more energy for their high activity level." Marilyn Hoole, chairwoman of Tears, and Rene Southwood, manager at the Animal Anti- Cruelty League, both said they had heard claims of malnourishment at the unit but were not handling the matter. Hoole said that if the claims were true, the apparent neglect was "unacceptable".
9.3 Comment: Lt-Col Meyers My Response after SAPS denied everything: ONTHOU Na die artikel was daar geen verder klagtes van publiek. VIER MAANDE LATER was ek aangekla en is ontslaan twee dae nadat my “verplasing” Bishop Lavis toe onwettig verklaar was. 9.3.1 Rompslomp laat honde ly - Leon-Ben Lamprecht KAAPSTAD. Die bevelvoerder van die Maitland-honde-eenheid het sy stilswye – verbreek en sy mond uitgespoel oor die situasie by dié eenheid. Die Burger het vroeër berig sommige honde by dié eenheid is ondervoed. Supt. Ivan Myers het in ’n brief gesê dat hy hewig gekritiseer word omdat hy die honde laat verhonger. “Ek is gedwing om stil te bly oor die kwessie, maar synde dat ek nou privaat én in die openbaar gekritiseer word, voel ek dis tyd dat die hele kwessie in sy ware konteks geplaas word.” Hy het gesê die kernkwessie is dat die honde 500 g Vet’s Choice Premium gevoer is. Hulle moes na regte Vet’s Choice Superior ontvang het. Volgens hom het hy met die vervaardigers kontak gemaak, wat aan hom gesê het 500 g Premium is onvoldoende vir werkende honde, soos polisiehonde, maar dat 500 g Superior in die kol sou wees.
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Hy skryf verder volgens ’n opdrag van die polisie moet “toepaslike stappe om dit reg te stel, gedoen word”, indien dit blyk dat die honde nie korrek gevoed word nie. Ná oorlegpleging met lt.kol. K.N. Sarkady, ’n weermagveearts, het Myers die honde se rantsoen verhoog. Hy het die provinsiale bevelvoerder skriftelik verwittig. “Ek is aangesê dat slegs Pretoria (die nasionale kantoor) toestemming vir so ’n stap kan gee en dat aansoek vir ’n verhoging in rantsoene gedoen moet word. Dit ten spyte van die spesiale opdrag wat diskresie vereis.” Myers het toe in elk geval die rantsoen verhoog en toestemming is later verskaf. Hy is in September 2006 geskors weens die nie-nakoming van bevele van ’n aangestelde bevelvoerder van die honde-eenheid. In dié tyd is die honde se rantsoen weer verlaag en het hulle toestand agteruit gegaan. “Ek is nie toegelaat om betrokke te raak by die eenheid of sy lede nie. Hondegeleiers het verstaanbaar gefrustreerd geraak en hul unie gekontak, wat die kwessie verder gevoer het . . .” Sy skorsing is op 30 Januarie vanjaar opgehef, maar hy het verlof geneem terwyl ’n kwessie rakende sy aanstelling uitgeklaar word. Hy het egter op 15 Februarie sy verlof gekanselleer uit vrees dat dinge handuit sou ruk. Hy is toe aangesê om sy verlof te neem.
Op 21 Februarie het dir. J.A. Strydom,
nasionale hoofveearts van die polisie, die honde-eenheid besoek. Volgens Myers het Strydom, vir wie hy hoë agting het, die honde se toestand bevredigend gevind. “Die honde sou egter in ’n bevredigende toestand gewees het omdat hulle bykomende kos van hulle geleiers ontvang en géén instruksie sal dit stopsit nie. “Die publiek kan verseker wees met my terugkeer op 1 Maart sal die honde inderdaad 700 g kos ontvang, met die uitsondering van dié wat oorgewig is.” Supt. Billy Jones, ’n polisiewoordvoerder, het gesê hulle gaan nie in hierdie 59
stadium kommentaar lewer nie.
9.4 Uitspraak: Ivan Meyers-saak IN THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEAL OF SOUTH AFRICA Case Number: 425 / 2012 Labour Appeal Court Case No: CA 04/09 Labour Court Case No: C 177/2008 In the matter between
IVAN MYERS
Appellant
and
THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF
First Respondent
THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY
Second Respondent
SECTORAL BARGAINING COUNCIL Abiding the Court's decision ADVOCATE COEN de KOCK (N.O)
Third Respondent
Abiding the Court's decision
___________________________________________________________________
APPELLANTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEADS OF ARGUMENT INTRODUCTION
1.
This appeal raises the question whether the decision of a commissioner not to reinstate a senior police officer who had been dismissed for addressing the public outcry concerning a matter of public interest in the media, was so unreasonable that no reasonable commissioner could have done so, or was reviewable on another of the stated grounds.
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2.
The appeal is with special leave granted by this Court against the whole of the judgment and order of the Labour Appeal Court, the Labour Court having found in appellant’s favour, the LAC having been divided on the issue.
Vol 3 p 373 – 401
3.
The appeal is not only about the facts and application of the law. It also raises constitutional issues - the appellant’s right to freedom of speech and expression and to dignity, the integrity and accountability of a senior police officer / public servant, the basic values and the principles enshrined in section 195(1) (a) - (h) of the Constitution.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
4.
The appellant, [Myers] was dismissed from the employ of the first respondent, the SAPS, for having made a media communication regarding the rations of police dogs at the Cape Town Dog Unit at Maitland.
5.
Lieutenant Colonel Myers had commanded the highly specialised Dog Unit between 2001 and 2007. He had 28 years unbroken service in the SAPS. He was accountable for the Unit’s assets, human resources, finances and dogs. But for his dismissal, he would have been eligible for early retirement in August 2013.
Myers Vol 1 p 195 (11 – 21), 197 (12 – 25) to 198 (1 – 17) and 216 (11 – 23).
6.
Some background to his media statement and subsequent dismissal is required to place the dismissal in perspective. In February 2005 SAPS changed 61
its tender requirements for the supply of dog food. Dogs had previously been receiving 800 grams of Olympic food per day. After the tender was awarded, this was reduced to 500 grams of Vets Choice Premium. Upon his return from attending a 4 month course in Pretoria during 2005, Myers noticed the dogs appeared emaciated. He contacted the manufacturer of Vets Choice who informed him that SAPS had purchased the wrong type of food for working dogs and that he should increase the ration to 700 grams. He increased the rations in collaboration with the Provincial Vet despite having written three letters to the Provincial Head: Police Dogs, Colonel Visser [Visser].Visser eventually granted authority in February 2006, Myers was in effect obliged to do so unilaterally.
Myers Vol 1 p 178 (10 – 25) to 181 (1 – 5)
7.
Myers was suspended on 11 September 2006 after the SAPS had appointed an inexperienced officer into his Unit Commander post with effect from 1 August 2006. Myers filed a grievance disputing this appointment. This prompted SAPS to suspend and charge Myers for insubordination.
This
decision was reversed at arbitration by agreement before the Third Respondent. Myers was ultimately reinstated and returned to work in January 2007, to be told to take leave during February 2007.
Myers Vol 2 p 310 (1 – 25) to 311 (1 – 11)
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8.
During Myers’ period of absence in September 2006 the dog food rations at his Unit were again reduced from 700 to 500 grams per day upon instruction from senior management. This resulted in a discernible loss of weight in the dogs.
9.
During December 2006 and again in February 2007, the South African Police Union [SAPU], upon being approached by concerned dog handlers, raised the issue of the malnutrition of police dogs at the Unit with SAPS management. SAPS management ignored the pleas.
Myers Vol 1 p 178 (10 – 25) to 181 (1 – 5)
10.
On 12 February 2007 SAPU invited Myers to a meeting at its offices. Leon-Ben Lamprecht, a journalist of “Die Burger” newspaper was also present at the meeting. He asked Myers to explain the reasons for the situation at the Dog Unit. Myers refrained from commenting before establishing if the issue had been addressed by management. He then contacted Visser, warning him of the media’s interest and asking him to take immediate steps to prevent the story from making damaging headlines in the media.
Myers Vol 1 p 181 (18 –25) to 182 (1-3)
11.
Two days later the story about the dogs’ malnutrition made headlines in the media. It was inter - alia reported that the police dogs were eating their own
63
excrement due to malnutrition. Extreme damage was created to the image and reputation of the dog unit by the SAPS management not reacting to the pleas of SAPU. Members of the public reacted with shock and anger in the printed and electronic media at the news of the condition of the dogs. Jones confirmed at the disciplinary hearing that he understood SAPU to have initiated the issue in the media and never referred to Myers as the person who created the media exposure.
Jones Vol 1 p 154 (1 – 6) , (15 – 17) Myers Vol 1 p 182 (6 – 8) and 196 (10 – 11)
12.
SAPS management’s eventual response was to deny that there was a problem with the dogs. This further incensed the public. The issue about the dogs was in the public eye and subject to intense scrutiny. Extreme adverse and negative prejudice to the SAPS image was further created by this failure to truthfully respond to the public outcry. Visser Vol 1 p 92 (10 – 11) Jones Vol 1 p 163 (1 – 9) Myers Vol 1 p 186 (21 – 25)
13.
Myers, as commander of the dog unit, felt morally obligated to take charge of the situation. On 21 February 2007 he interrupted his leave and returned to the Unit to defuse the crisis. Upon his arrival at the Unit he found the chief veterinarian of the SAPS who told Myers that they were about to hold a
64
meeting concerning the malnutrition issue. Myers requested to be a part of the meeting but he was told that he was not needed and left. Visser Vol 1 p 95 (1 – 25) to 96 (19 – 23) Myers Vol 1 p 182 (6 – 25) to 183 (1 – 9) Strydom Vol 2 p 261 (10 – 25)
14.
Newspaper articles the following day again indicated that police management had denied that there were any problems. Jones, however, admitted that they were aware by the 21st of February that the crisis had already spilt over to national as well as international level.
Jones Vol 1 p 128 (23 – 25)
15.
Myers’ position at the Dog Unit was well known, having been the de facto media spokesman for the Unit dealing with the printed and audio visual media during his tenure and having previously met a journalist about the specific issue.
Myers Vol 1 p 213 (3 – 25) to 214 (1 – 14)
16.
Since the media exposure he had received numerous telephone calls from members of the public, colleagues and friends who were clearly incensed and directed accusations, particularly at him, that the dogs were being maltreated.
Myers Vol 1 p 182 (10 – 13) and 183 (17 - 24)
17.
On the 23rd of February 2007 Myers sent an email entitled ‘Condition of Police Dogs’ to Lamprecht seeking to address the issue regarding the dogs’ 65
malnutrition and to point out the steps he had taken to resolve the problem and that the public can be assured of the Dog Unit members commitment to the dogs.
Exhibit “B” - E-mail Vol 1 p 70 – 72
18.
The gist of his email appeared in “Die Burger” under the following headlines: ‘Maitland - eenheid: Bevelvoerder verbreek swye. Rompslomp laat honde ly’
Exhibit “A” – Die Burger article Vol 1p 69
19.
After the publication of the article no further reports or comments were published. The hostile, prejudicial and critical comments ceased. Myers was not requested to make a retraction by his employer nor taken to task until some four months later. Myers’ motive was to restore the image of the SAPS as well as his and his subordinates honour and dignity.
Myers Vol 1 p 189 (8 – 13), 208 (22 – 25), 215 (7 – 13), 217 (11 – 25) to 218 (1 – 7)
20.
On 18 June 2007 Myers was charged with contravening Regulation 20(f) of the SAPS Discipline Regulations. It was alleged by the SAPS that by communicating with the media Myers had prejudiced the administration, discipline or efficiency of a department, office or institution of the State.
Main charge Vol 1 p 74
66
21.
In the alternative, he was charged with contravening Regulation 20 (i) in that he was alleged to have failed to carry out a lawful order or routine instruction without just or reasonable cause, namely Standing Order (General) 156, by making a media communication.
Alternative charge Vol 1 p 75
22.
On 12 July 2007, the presiding officer in the internal disciplinary hearing acquitted Myers on the alternative charge. He was convicted upon the main charge and was dismissed from the employ of the SAPS, the trial officer having concluded that the media statement was not beneficial to the employer in that it had an element of impudence, cheekiness, disrespect and rudeness. He further concluded that Myers had not acted in good faith by; competing with the employer, disclosing confidential information or trade secrets and that he had acted dishonestly.
Vol 2 p 324 paragraphs [9.1.4.] and [9.1.5.1]
23.
Myers referred his dismissal to the Second Respondent after an unsuccessful internal appeal. The Third Respondent found the dismissal to be substantively fair.
Arbitration Award Vol 1 p 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 37
24.
On review to the Labour Court, Myers was subsequently granted relief to have the matter re-heard in the Bargaining Council before another Commissioner.
67
Judgment Labour Court Vol 3 p 353 – 367
25.
SAPS applied for leave to appeal against this judgment which was denied by the Labour Court, where-after SAPS successfully petitioned the Labour Appeal Court [‘LAC’].
26.
The minority in the ‘LAC’, per Zondi AJA found that although Myers had committed an act of serious misconduct, the sanction of dismissal was unreasonable. The majority, per Waglay DJP and Molemela AJA, found the sanction to be unreasonable but not so unreasonable as to be reviewable, and confirmed the sanction of dismissal.
27.
The following facts render the decisions to dismiss and subsequently not to reinstate the appellant in the first instance unfair and in the second case unreasonable.
27.1. Myers was not aware of a task team which was set up by the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS to deal with the dog food issue and to discuss a strategy to deal with the media.
27.2. Myers was excluded from the meeting at the Unit when he took it upon himself to resolve the situation. Visser even conceded that it was a responsible act for Myers to have gone to the Unit whilst on leave to assist. Upon the proposition made to Commissioner Strydom by the prosecutor that Myers actions should have made sure that the SAPS received the best publicity, Strydom responded that, “I t h i n k h e sh o u l d h a v e b e en m o r e r e sp o n si b l e t o c o - o p e r a t e w i t h m a n a g e m en t 68
a n d t o d i sc u s s a n d m e e t w i t h u s i n o r d e r t o s e e h o w w e c a n c u r b this
n eg a t i v e
publicity
that
was
c re a t ed
by
the
n e w sp a p er s
rep o rt s. ” T his despite Myers having attempted to co-operate and
assist with the crisis but then told that he was not needed.
Visser Vol 1 p 96 (4 – 8) Strydom Vol 2 p 245 (15 – 25) and 246 (3 – 6) 27.3. Visser testified that the purpose of the meeting [from which Myers was excluded] was to explain the contract and the national instructions regarding the feeding of the dogs to the commanders and the kennel officials.
Visser Vol 1 p 94 (10 – 25)
27.4. The majority in the LAC (at paragraph [102]) questioned the exclusion of Myers from the meeting having asked itself whether he would not have been best suited to deal with the issue that became a public concern.
27.5. Commissioner Strydom clearly stated that Myers was not part of the task team. Since he had arrived uninvited, he was not welcome at the meeting. Myers was requested to leave.
Strydom Vol 2 p 261 (10 – 25)
69
27.6. Jones is also on record stating that he was not even aware as to why Myers was at the Unit on 21 February 2007.
Jones Vol 1 p 139 (3 – 7) 27.7
The exclusion of Myers from the meeting did not prompt him to commence “mudslinging” the SAPS. The evidence of Myers was to the contrary – he wanted to restore his dignity and the dignity of his subordinates, the image of the Dog Unit and the SAPS and his integrity as an accountable officer. No mudslinging ever occurred. His response was a single response to the media. It turned out to be the final word about the matter. It was by no account defamatory or undermining of the objectives of the SAPS. It resolved the issue in the public eye. To dismiss him for such a valuable public-spirited act and to then not reinstate him was grossly unreasonable.
28.
The fact that the SAPS is an employer who serves the public, and who is expected to maintain a high degree of discipline within its ranks, may mean that a media statement that undermines the employer and displays a lack of respect for authority is prejudicial to the SAPS and cannot go unpunished. This does not however mean that any media statement, especially one that never undermined the authority of SAPS or the discipline within the ranks, justifies dismissal. Myers’ e-mail was not directed against the authority of SAPS. It restored its dignity and that of the Unit. It gave a true and factually correct explanation of the cause for the starvation of the dogs. To dismiss
70
Myers for that was grossly unreasonable, as was the decision not to reinstate him.
29.
There was no evidence to support the findings of impudence, cheekiness, disrespect and rudeness or that Myers had not acted in good faith by; competing with the employer, disclosing confidential information or trade secrets and that he had acted dishonestly.
30.
The LAC erred in its findings :
30.1. That Myersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; e-mail communication constituted serious misconduct in that it prejudiced the SAPS and that he had no just and reasonable cause to have sent the e-mail;
30.2. By not balancing the right of freedom of speech and expression in the public interest, the right to dignity, and the obligation to be accountable to the public against the perceived prejudice of SAPS;
30.3. By not interpreting the Standing Order as a guideline and limitation on the right to freedom of speech and expression in line with the values enshrined in the Constitution;
30.4. That the conviction and sanction was a decision which a reasonable decision maker could make in the circumstances.
71
31.
In the unreported matter of Gazidis v Minister of Public Administration (A2050/04)
(24 March 2006) TPD the employee faced similar charges as Myers under the Public Service Act. A full bench at paragraphs [44] to [52] found that whatever prejudice there may have been for the employer, had been caused already by the time the appellant made his strongly worded comments. If these comments caused any prejudice to the department of which the appellant was an officer, such prejudice existed already when the comments were made. The Court found that there could be no causal link between the applicant’s actions and any prejudice the department may have suffered and therefore found that there was no evidence upon which the Arbitrator could have convicted the appellant of the charge of having ‘caused prejudice to the department’.
32.
Whatever prejudice there may have been had certainly already been caused by the SAPS itself by the time Myers made his comments. There can therefore be no causal link between Myers’ actions and any prejudice that SAPS may have suffered. Under these circumstances it is clear that there is no evidence upon which Myers could have been convicted of having “caused prejudice to the SAPS”.
Myers Vol 1 p 177 (1 – 10) , Vol 2 210 (3- 4), 215 (7 – 13), 217 (5 – 6), 218 (3 – 7 and 22 - 24) to 219 (1 – 6), 308 (4 – 15)
33.
Myers as the officer accountable for the Dog Unit and the de facto media liaison officer had just and reasonable cause to restore the negative publicity which had been created by SAPS. He upheld the principles contained in s 195 of the Constitution by being accountable and transparent in providing the public with accurate information
72
which is expected of a professional and ethical public servant. He alerted Visser about the enquiries of Die Burger to no avail. He should not have been victimized for fulfilling his legal obligations in restoring the negative publicity and in laying the matter to rest. To dismiss him for that was grossly unfair. Not to reinstate him was something no reasonable commissioner would have done.
Kroukam v SA Airlink (Pty) Ltd (2005) 26 ILJ 2153 (LAC) para [94]
34.
The LAC based their finding of prejudice upon the heading of the publication in Die
Burger. Jones, the SAPS media liaison officer, twice conceded that the heading of a newspaper report was the prerogative of the editor. Despite the heading ‘Rondslomp’ [red tape] in the newspaper, Jones confirmed that red tape caused the problem to the extent that only one person from national level may prescribe and instruct what amount of food the dogs may receive. The e-mail from Myers to the media had a neutral non - prejudicial heading, to wit, “Condition of Police Dogs”. The content thereof was largely factual. The newspaper report contained some editorial licence (e.g. “mond uitspoel”) for which Myers cannot be blamed. Where Myers’ exasperation appears in the e-mail, it is explained by him and was clearly justified by the facts.
Jones Vol 1 p 129 (17 – 21), 130 (8 – 12), 152 (18-25) to 153 (1 – 2) and 174 (20 – 25) to 175 (1– 8) Myers Vol 1 p 205 (18 – 20)
73
35.
The content of the e-mail was never challenged by the SAPS during the arbitration. Absent proof of false statements, knowingly or recklessly made, by a senior officer exercising his right to speak on an issue of public interest, does not form a reasonable basis for his dismissal / non-reinstatement.
Pickering v Board of Education 391 U.S 563, 568, 88 3 June 1968 at para 21
36.
The record indicates that there was no prejudice to the SAPS as a result of the communication by Myers. All witnesses for the employer were unable to disclose any prejudice to the SAPS as a result of that publication.
Visser Vol 1 p 83 (7 – 11), 88 (24 – 25) to 89 (1 – 13), 103 (9 – 24) Jones Vol 1 p 137 (3 – 16) Strydom Vol 2 p 243 (22 – 25) to 244 (1 – 4), 265 (20 – 25) to 266 (1 – 16) and 269 (16 – 24)
37.
This was also evident from the outset where Jones in his factual report that precipitated the charges only stated that the conduct could have a negative bearing on the Service. He also declined to comment on the e-mail to the media when approached to do so.
Jones’ Factual Report Vol 1 p 68 (4 – 5) Vol 1 p 69 last sentence of exhibit “A”. Jones Vol 1 p 125 (14 – 15).
38.
The emphasis of Standing Order 156 at 3(14), stipulates that official statements to the media are to ensure that the Service receives the maximum benefit from media exposure. Visser conceded that the Myers e - mail was to the maximum 74
benefit. He also stated that the content of the article was primarily the same as what Dr Strydom had stated in the media.
Visser Vol 1 p 112 (1 – 4) and (8 – 13), p 102 (9 – 10)
39.
In Midi television (PTY) Ltd v Director of Prosecutions 2007 (5) SA 540 (SCA) this Honourable Court held at para [19] that an allegation of prejudice should be supported by demonstrable evidence. Mere conjecture as to prejudice cannot suffice. Conjecture or speculation that prejudice might occur is not enough. To base a finding of prejudice on speculation alone is clearly unreasonable.
40.
It cannot be disputed that Myers’ e-mail was not dishonest, nor defamatory and that it could not have had any negative impact on the operations of the SAPS. No evidence was led as to any actual or potential effect or impact the article had or could have had upon the SAPS.
Cf Edcon Ltd v Pilemer NO & Others 2009 (3) All SA 508 (SCA) at 516 para [20]
41.
In Tshishonga v Minister of Justice & Constitutional Development (2006) 27 ILJ
1541 (LC) at para [198] it was held that an employer who refuses to engage with an employee cannot later be heard to complain that it was embarrassed or that it was brought into disrepute by the employee’s whistleblowing. Besides denying all wrongdoing (even when the dogs were seen eating their excrement and after the public outcry had started in the media), the SAPS in casu singularly failed to engage 75
with SAPU on the two occasions and with Myers on another, when he availed himself at the Unit on 21 February 2007. It could not, in the circumstances, have reasonably taken disciplinary action against him for addressing the situation himself directly.
42.
Upon the proposition made by the prosecutor to Commissioner Strydom, as to the responsibility of an employee in acting in the best interests of the employer, Strydom responded that Myers as the commander of the Dog Unit, despite being on suspension and then on leave during that period, should have been more responsible to co-operate with management and to discuss and meet with them in order to see how they could curb the negative publicity that was created by the media reports. This response by Strydom was made despite Myers having initially warned Visser of the media interest as well as his availing himself at the Unit and being requested to leave. Strydom under cross examination further conceded that Myers should have been part of the task team.
Strydom Vol 2 p 245 (10 – 25) to 246 (1 – 6) and p 262 (15 – 21)
43.
Myers and the members of his unit’s right to dignity and their own accountability as public servants justified his responding in the manner in which he did to the prejudicial and negative media reports and associated public outcry. Since this response was not forthcoming from his employer, it had to be from him.
Myers Vol 1 p 182 (10 – 13), 183 (17 – 24), 203 (10 – 24), 205 (1 – 7), 225 (1 – 9), 302 (1 – 21), and 305 (15 – 24)
76
44.
The malnutrition of the dogs was a matter of public interest even attracting international media interest leading up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Jones vol 1 p 128 (23 – 25) to 129 (1 – 5)
45.
In light of the aforementioned paragraph this called for timely, transparent and accurate accountability. Myers who was accountable for the Dog Unit responsibly exercised his duty as the Unit Commander and de facto media liaison officer to inform the public about the true reasons for the malnourished police dogs.
46.
In analysing Pickering v Board of Education supra Herbert, W.A. in “The First Amendment and Public Sector Labor Relations”, The Labor Lawyer Vol. 19. No. 3 (Winter/Spring 2004): 325-351, American Bar Association at page 326, states:
“In determining whether a public employer’s adverse action violates the right of a public employee to engage in speech protected by the First Amendment, courts must balance the interest of the employee to comment on matters of public concern against the interest of the public employer in promoting the efficiency of government services performed through its employees”. Clearly upon the evidence of all the witnesses the wellbeing of the dogs became a matter of intense public concern.
47.
Herbert, W.A. proceeds to state at page 338;
“The public employer has the burden of justifying its adverse employment action. It must demonstrate that the employee’s conduct interfered with governmental operations or that it reasonably believed that the speech would interfere with such 77
operations. Proof of actual interference is frequently unnecessary. However, the “closer the employee’s speech reflects on matters of public concern, the greater must be the employer’s showing that the speech is likely to be disruptive before it may be punished.”
48.
The evidence of Myers’ expertise at a specialised Unit, his leadership, commitment and accountability went unchallenged. He restored the public outcry which was created by SAPS management with the publication of the true situation in his e-mail. It would have been expected of Myers to be accountable to the public about a matter of public interest and to respond to the public’s outcry when the SAPS denied any wrongdoing. His intention was to restore his dignity as a commander, that of his handlers and of the Unit and not be disruptive. None of this warranted or justified his dismissal. Not to reinstate him was clearly unreasonable.
49.
The intention of the Myers publication was not defamatory or untrue. He addressed a matter of public interest which was never disputed by the SAPS and who admitted that it was a very sensitive issue and a crisis by going so far as to consider a media strategy to deal with the public outcry. Myers was never informed about it.
Jones Vol 1 p 128 (1 – 8)
50.
It is therefore submitted that the ‘balancing of interests’ favours Myer’s rights of freedom of speech, his duty of accountability and the right to protect his dignity, that of his Unit and of the SAPS in general. His conduct was ultimately in the best interests of the employer and to dismiss him for that was grossly unfair. Not to reinstate him was grossly unreasonable.
78
51.
There are other grounds on which Myers should have been reinstated. Members of the SAPS who had spoken to the media before were never dismissed. Two incidents were referred to where direct prejudice was occasioned upon the SAPS where only warnings were issued.
Myers Vol 2 p 299 (10 – 17)
52.
Myers was charged, convicted and dismissed without his representations ever having been considered by Strydom.
Strydom Vol 2 p 291 (5 – 25) to 292 (1 – 19)
53.
The SAPS disciplinary regulations together with the Standing Order require prompt resolution in the form of either an instruction to withdraw criticism in the media or to issue a warning to the employee. None of this was done. Myers was only charged some four months later and dismissed (after being successful in the arbitration relating to his unlawful transfer, which in itself questions the motive of the employer for charging and dismissing Myers on the grounds of the media communication).
Vol 1 p 57 Strydom Vol 2 p 279 (1 – 10) Myers Vol 2 p 300 (5 – 6)
54.
The communication did not evince any element of dishonesty, dereliction of duty, loss to the SAPS, or a breach of the SAPS code of conduct, in any event not one which could seriously have affected the public trust and confidence in Myers. Thus there was no effect on the employee - employer relationship which justified his dismissal.
79
55.
The South African Police Service procedure relating to media communication by members of the SAPS is contained in Standing Order (General) 156. The particular Standing Order [S.O.(G)] is fraught with ambiguity.
56.
The preamble to all the Standing Orders of the South African Police Service states:
“Aangesien dit nie moontlik is om noukeurige gedragslyne vir elke omstandigheid waarin ‘n lid hom mag bevind vooruit te bepaal nie, word ‘n redelike en verstandige vertolking, liewer as ‘n slaafse navolging van hierdie orders verwag.”
57.
Thus Standing Orders are to be applied in a reasonable and sensible manner and not slavishly adhered to. This is to prevent a “catch all” situation as found in Bennet v President, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission [2003] FCA 1433 (10 December 2003) at paragraphs 65, 80, 89, 100, 101, 104.
58.
In Kauesa v the Minister of Home Affairs, a judgment by the Namibian Supreme Court of Appeal delivered on 11 October 1995, the Court dealt with the constitutionality of police instructions which infringed upon a police officer’s freedom of expression. The relevant police regulation in the matter read :
‘’58
A member shall be guilty of an offence and may be dealt with … if he (32) comments unfavourably in public upon the administration of the Force or any Government department’.
80
59.
After analysing international jurisprudence on the issue, the Court declared the regulation invalid and, at page 26 inconsistent with the right of freedom of speech: ‘It must be common cause that the content of the debate or exchange of ideas was a matter of public concern … The statements uttered by appellant cannot be considered “in a vacuum”. All the factors must be considered and assessed having regard to the right of freedom of speech’.
60.
S.O (G) 156 provides that : ‘The Service is an open and transparent organisation and
the media may approach any member for information’.
Vol 2 p 331 at 4 (1)
61.
A member is defined as any person employed by the Service, irrespective of rank or position.
Vol 2 p 328 at 2 (f)
62.
It further provides that : ‘A member who engages in …. criticism may be requested to explain and justify his or her statements’.
Vol 2 p 340 at 13 (4) (b) (ii)
63.
Under the heading ‘Accountability’ the S.O (G) provides that :
81
‘A member may not knowingly disseminate false or misleading information to the media and must ensure that official information made available to the media is factually correct’.
Vol 2 p 338 at 12 (2)
64.
Under the heading ‘Criticism and opinions’ the S.O.(G) provides that ‘No member may therefore comment negatively on aspects of policing which form part of the responsibility of another section, component, station, unit etc’. [Own emphasis].
Vol 2 p 340 at 13 (4) (a)
The Third Respondent failed to take this second sentence of S.O. (G) 156. 13 (4) (a) into consideration. This is a reviewable irregularity.
65.
Notably the S.O. also states ‘In addition to media liaison officials, the following members may be designated to communicate with the media: .. (b) an expert from a specialised unit who has been identified for this purpose; or.......provided that such member possesses the necessary media communication skills.
Vol 2 p 333 at 6 (b)
66.
The Myers communication was in line with the provisions set out above and furthermore complied with the undertaking given to the South African National Editors Forum by the National Commissioner a month earlier where he said :
82
‘Elke polisiebeampte mag met julle praat oor sy veld en kennis en kundigheid. Ons wil
net nie hê iemand van die honde-eenheid moet byvoorbeeld praat oor die helikoptereenheid nie. … Ons wil nie inligting beperk nie. Die idee is om kommunikasie met die publiek te verbeter .
Exhibit “C” Vol 1 p 73 Visser Vol 1 p 106 (15 - 25) to 108 (1 – 5) Jones Vol 1 p 134 (8 – 20) Myers Vol 1 p 188 (3 – 12), 200 (4 – 20),
67.
Despite the above and the provision in the S.O. at 13 (4) (c) that, ‘criticism or comments
… may in appropriate circumstances constitute misconduct’, (i.e. not in all circumstances) Myers was charged and dismissed. This was done even though his communication did not infringe upon the S.O. at 8(4)(a)(i) to (iv) in, ‘defeating or obstructing the course
of justice; contravening the provisions of any Act; hamper or interfere with a specific investigation; or prejudice, embarrass or discredit the Service’.
In fact, it was compliant with his duties and the S.O.
68.
The content of the e-mail was neither critical nor prejudicial to the SAPS. It was appropriate, factually correct, justified and made with reasonable cause. The malnutrition of the dogs (and any concomitant prejudice to the SAPS reputation) was already in the public domain. The e-mail laid the matter to rest. It could never be argued that this restorative action in the circumstances constituted misconduct.
Myers Vol 1 p 214 83
cf Pickering paragraph 10 cf Modiri v Minister of Safety and Security and Others [2012] 1 All SA 154 (SCA) at paragraph 13.
69.
SAPS neither rebutted the content of the e-mail by publishing a different version nor instructed Myers to retract his statements in terms of the Standing Order at 12(5)(b)
Jones Vol 1 p 125 (15 – 23) cf Pickering paragraph 16
70.
The Standing Order was issued in 2001. Jones acknowledged that even after the Standing Order was issued, commanders still had the mandate to communicate directly with the media and that his role from 2004 was to assist and support officers in that regard to ensure that that the content was in line with the vision and mission of the SAPS. Thus Jones’ consternation was not that Myers had contravened the Standing Order inasmuch as he had not used the Media Centre created by the Provincial Commissioner as a support mechanism. There is no reference in the Standing Order to a Media Centre and Myers did not require assistance.
Jones Vol 1 p 126 (13 – 25) to 127 (1 – 5), p 131 (7 – 11) and 138 (7 – 9)
71.
The finding by the Third Respondent that, “I could find no further justifiable submissions
based on the evidence placed before me to come to the conclusion that the applicant had the right to speak to the media without having discussed the matter with the media liaison official and his commander”, suggests that there was some justification for Myers’ communication. This fact rendered the Third Respondent’s decision not to reinstate Myers all the more unreasonable.
84
72.
It is respectfully submitted that no reasonable decision maker could have arrived at the decision to convict and dismiss Myers, a senior police officer entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the dogs’ well-being for addressing this matter of public interest in the media in circumstances where the issue was already in the public eye. Myers was the de facto media spokesperson of the Dog Unit and had communicated directly with the media, without prior consultation with Jones or permission from Visser, on a number of occasions in the past.
73.
Vital and material factors not considered by the Third Respondent or the LAC were the ambiguity in the S.O, the reasonable cause for making the statement, the then National Commissioner’s undertaking to SANEF, the lack of any evidence of prejudice having been created by the e-mail and the rights of Myers and the dog handlers contained in sections 10 and 16 of the Constitution together with his obligations in terms of s 195 of the Constitution. The Third Respondent’s failure to apply his mind to these highly relevant factors further rendered his decision reviewable.
74.
On the reasonableness test (Sidumo & Another v Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd & Others (2007) 28 ILJ 2405 (CC) and in Edcon Ltd v Pillemer NO and Others (2009) 30 ILJ 2646 (SCA) the decision of the Third Respondent should have been reviewed and set aside.
85
75.
In Edcon Ltd v Pillemer NO and Others (2009) 30 ILJ 2646 (SCA) this Court stated the following regarding the reasonableness test:
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is therefore the
reasonableness of the award that becomes the focal point of the enquiry and in determining this one focuses not only on the conclusion arrived at but also on the material that was before the Commissioner when making the awardâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
76.
In Wasteman Group v SAMWU (LAC) case number 6/2011 (to be reported), heard on 8 March 2012 at [page 6], after referring to paragraph 78 to 79: and 110 of Sidumo, the Court found that a reasonable decision maker would have been alive to the distinction between insubordination per se and insubordination which must give rise to the ultimate sanction of dismissal. In order to come to a dismissal it should have been required to have analysed all the facts and circumstances.
77.
The evidential material before the Third Respondent did not justify his conclusion. On the contrary, it rendered his conclusion so unreasonable no reasonable commissioner could have made such a finding.
78.
In Ikwezi Municipality v South African Local Government Bargaining Council
and others delivered on 08 December 2011 (LC) (unreported), the Labour Court, in dealing with the criticism made by an employee about his employer in a newspaper, held that the arbitrator was required to consider all the evidence and could not simply disregard critical factors. The main issue in that matter was whether the employee believed that which he reported to be true.
86
79.
The Third Respondent in this matter failed to consider the totality of the circumstances and deferred to the finding of the employer. Had he used his own sense of fairness in making a reasonable value judgment, he, and any other reasonable commissioner, would have concluded that the conviction and dismissal was unfair and would have reinstated Myers.
cf Wasteman page 6
80.
The order sought on appeal to this Honourable Court is to uphold the appeal.
81.
The judgment of the LAC, it is respectfully submitted, should be set aside and substituted with the following order :
81.1. The award by the Arbitrator and the judgment of the LAC are set aside;
81.2. The First Respondent shall re-instate the Appellant retrospectively to his lawful post as Unit Commander: Cape Town Dog Unit from the date of the dismissal with full salary, accruals, allowances and benefits including his pension fund and medical benefits, together with all increases in the interim;
81.3. Interest on such arrear remuneration and allowances including performance bonuses a tempore morae at 15.5% per annum from the date of dismissal to date of payment;
81.4. Payment of costs including the costs of two counsel, where so employed :
a)
In the Labour Court; 87
b)
In the application for leave to appeal in the Labour Court;
c)
In the petition to the Labour Appeal Court;
d)
In the Labour Appeal Court;
e)
In the application for special leave in the Supreme Court of Appeal;
f)
In the Supreme Court of Appeal.
R G L STELZNER SC J A NORTJE 15 AUGUST 2012
9.5 Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa MEDIA SUMMARY – JUDGMENT DELIVERED IN THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEAL From: The Registrar, Supreme Court of Appeal Date: 29 November 2012 Status: Immediate Please note that the media summary is intended for the benefit of the media and does not form part of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal. MYERS v NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SAPS (425/2012) [2012] ZASCA 185 (29 November 2012) The SCA today upheld an appeal against the judgment of the Labour Appeal Court confirming the appellant’s dismissal from his employment with the South African Police Service. The appellant, Superintendent Ivan Myers was a Commander of the Dog Unit in Maitland. He was charged with misconduct alleging a breach by Myers of Standing Order 156(4)(1) in that he had issued a media statement bemoaning the condition of the dogs in his unit without the permission of the relevant Media Liaison Officer or his Commander. After a hearing in the Disciplinary Inquiry he was dismissed from his employment with effect from 13 July 2007 and fined R500. He had sent an e-mail to ‘Die Burger’ newspaper while he was on leave, stating that the poor condition of 88
the SAPS dogs that had lost weight was caused by the police management’s decision to reduce their food rations from 700 grams to 500 grams. The police management considered the statement to be prejudicial to the administration, discipline or efficiency of the South African Police Service ─ hence the charge of misconduct against Myers. The Labour Appeal Court agreed with the Disciplinary Hearing’s findings but disagreed with the Labour Court which had held that the sanction of dismissal was harsh and referred the matter back to the arbitration for rehearing. The SCA held that the conviction for misconduct was correct but that the sanction of dismissal was not fair given the circumstances. It found that the majority of the Labour Appeal Court had not sufficiently considered the mitigating factors and had adopted an incorrect test in approving of the sanction of dismissal. It agreed with the judgment of the minority (presided by Zondi AJA) that the sanction was unreasonable. The Labour Appeal Court had found that the dismissal was harsh but not ‘so unreasonable’ as to be set aside and which the SCA considered to be inappropriate. Myers had had unbroken service of 28 years in the SAPS and was a Commander of a Unit who was only 6 years away from retirement. There was nothing to suggest that if he was reinstated continued employment relationship on the SAPS would be intolerable. Having regard to all of the above factors the SCA considered the sanction of dismal to be unfair, and reduced it to a written warning valid for a period of 12 months from the date of this order and directed that he be reinstated.
9.6 Police need to bulk up capacity of forensic science labs - Kohler Barnard Die skaduminisater van polisie stel voor dat die SAPD meer wetenskaplike labratoriums kry. Vir meer besonderhede klik: http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page72308?oid=341987&sn= Marketingweb+detail&pid=90389
10. NATIONAL SECURITY VEILIGHEIDSGESKIEDENIS
HISTORY
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10.1 WO2: Gevleuelde Seiners: Geveerde ‘spioen’ sit jare in skoorsteen vas 2012-11-05 04:10 : The Telegraph JOHANNESBURG. – Toe David Martin die kaggel in sy huis in Surrey, in die suide van Engeland, skoonmaak, het hy op veel meer as roet afgekom. 89
In die skoorsteen was die skelet van ’n posduif met ’n silinder aan sy poot wat ’n geheime boodskap bevat wat van die D-Dag-inval in 1944 dateer. In die silinder was sigaretpapier met gekodeerde skrif daarop, het Martin vertel. Sy huis is naby die hotel in Reigate waar Brittanje se genl. Montgomery die D-Daginval van Frankryk in die geheim beplan het. “Monty” het militêre duiwehokke by die hotel aangehou. In ’n Pigeons at War-uitstalling by Bletchley Park, die sentrum vir die Geallieerdes se kodeontsyferaars, is talle boodskappe wat deur duiwe afgelewer is tydens die Tweede Wêreldoorlog. Hierdie is egter die eerste boodskap wat in kodetaal geskryf is. Kenners probeer ontsyfer nou die boodskap, wat nooit sy voorgenome ontvanger bereik het nie, om hopelik ’n unieke insig in die oorlog te kry. Die boodskap is gestuur deur sers. W. Stott en was bedoel vir die geheimsinnige X02, ’n moontlike kodenaam vir die Bomkommandement. Posduiwe was onder vele diere wat deur die Geallieerdes ingespan is tydens die Tweede Wêreldoorlog. Hulle is gebruik om tydens die D-Dag-inval boodskappe terug na die Verenigde Koninkryk te stuur dat operasies volgens plan verloop het. – The Telegraph http://www.dieburger.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Geveerde-spioen-sitjare-in-skoorsteen-vas-20121105
10.2 The Rhodesian T-55 Tanks and Operation Hectic - Johan Jacobs Before 1979 the Rhodesian Army had not possessed any tanks. The regiment consisted of five armoured squadrons, each of four troops, with a supporting Signals Troop, Army Service Corps detachment, Training Troop and an HQ element. In 1979 a supporting Infantry Troop was added. A, B and C Squadrons were territorial units, while D and E Squadrons were staffed by regulars and national servicemen. The armoured troops used the South African manufactured Eland 90 armoured car, the British made Ferret armoured scout car and a variety of Rhodesian armoured personnel carriers constructed on the short wheelbase '25' and long wheelbase '45' Mercedes truck chassis, or the Nissan truck chassis.
Eland 90
Ferret 90
In October of 1979 they received eight T-55 tanks from South Africa, confiscated from a French ship, the ‘Astor’, which had been transporting a heavy weapons consignment from Libya for Idi Amin in Uganda. Amin’s regime collapsed on the day that the ship docked in Mombasa it was redirected to Angola. The ship called in to Durban where the cargo, including ten Polish-built T-55LD tanks (built in 1975), was seized, South Africa at that point considering itself to be at war with Angola. Two of the tanks were kept by the South Africans for evaluation. The remaining eight were transported to Rhodesia, together with SADF advisers for the purpose of training Rhodesian crews. The rumour was spread that the tanks had been captured in Mozambique, in order to obscure South Africa’s part in the deal. The tanks, now part of the Rhodesian Armoured Car Regiment (RhACR) - in a newly-formed ‘E’ Squadron were driven around on tank transporters for several months in order to give the impression that the Rhodesians possessed a large number of heavy tanks. On arrival the T-55s had sported the original Libyan camouflage scheme.
Libyan camouflage Major Winkler was from 1978 the Officer Commanding the RhACR, he was an American field grade officer in the U.S. Army, who, after resignation went to South Africa first, and then towards Rhodesia. He was commissioned in the Rhodesian Army on 12 August 1977. The Rhodesian Armoured Corps then consisted of four squadrons. He ordered the tanks to be repainted in American camouflage, which was eminently unsuitable, and finally the South African instructors had them painted in anti-infra-red South African camouflage, which proved perfect for Rhodesian conditions.
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SA Camouflage
The tank crews came from 'D' Sqn RhACR, regular force soldiers who had signed on for a minimum of 3 years. Trained crews were vital if the tanks were to be used to maximum effect and it was necessary to ensure that the crews would remain in the Army for some time. A few of the men had tank experience already, but initially there was a lot of experimenting and reliance on the manuals, until Army HQ arranged for proper training by members of the SADF School of Armour. Command of 'E' Sqn was given to Captain Kaufeldt, an experienced tanker from West Germany. More recruits from the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) and Selous Scouts arrived to fill the gaps and acquitted themselves well in their new task. The Soviet-manufactured radios were removed from the tanks and replaced with the South African radios and headsets used on the South African made Eland 90 Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). These used a throat-activated microphone system and were far superior to the Soviet models. In Soviet tanks the radios were operated by the loader, in addition to his task on the main gun. The Rhodesians, reasoning that the loader already had enough to keep him occupied, moved the radios to the tank commander's position. The tank crews were issued with brandnew Soviet AK47 assault rifles and were eager to test them in battle conditions. The tanks were ready for action in a flash while talks were going around for a peaceful settlement. But they were destined to remain unused. After the election of Bishop Muzorewaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government in 1979, Rhodesians hoped that Britain and the international community would recognise his administration and end sanctions. After all, British observers had pronounced the election free and fair in their official report. African voters had turned out in great numbers to vote for the Bishop, and, with a few minor exceptions, there had been no intimidation or coercion. The Rhodesians rightly felt that they had fulfilled the demands of the international community for African majority rule in Rhodesia, now renamed Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. 92
Nyerere of Tanzania and Kaunda of Zambia, however, objected at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Lusaka in August 1979, demanding that their protégés, Mugabe and Nkomo, leaders of the two main terrorist groups seeking power, should be included in any final arrangement for majority rule in Rhodesia. Their pressure was instrumental in causing Prime Minister Thatcher of Britain to withhold recognition. The fact that Muzorewa had been democratically elected into power by a 67% majority, whereas his critics, Kaunda and Nyerere, were both heads of one-party dictatorships with shaky economies. Pressure thus mounted for the Rhodesians to hold new elections, again monitored by the Commonwealth, but this time including Mugabe and Nkomo’s parties. Tired of the war and sanctions, and with the increasing level of white emigration seriously affecting the economy, Muzorewa was eventually forced into going along with an agreement for a new election. The fact that the Rhodesian security forces were increasing their cross-border raids on terrorist bases in Zambia and Mozambique persuaded Presidents Kaunda and Machel of Mozambique to exert their influence on Nkomo and Mugabe to moderate their conditions for participating in the new election. Mugabe, for example, had initially demanded that the Rhodesian security forces be disbanded prior to the election and that the country be policed by a combination of the terrorist forces. This was a condition to which the Rhodesians would never agree, as it was a patently transparent attempt by ZANU to ensure its forces would have de facto control of the country prior to the election, and allow him to influence the voting and ignore any result unfavourable to ZANU. The resulting distrust that Rhodesians felt for Mugabe’s methods and manoeuvrings was probably the prime reason behind the preparation of a contingency plan. Eventually agreement was reached for the holding of new elections. Commonwealth monitoring forces arrived in Rhodesia and the terrorist forces of ZAPU and ZANU began to send their men to Assembly Points throughout the country. At midnight on 28 December 1979 a ceasefire came into effect. The majority of white Rhodesians hoped or expected that Muzorewa would again secure a majority vote. However, it did not take long for experts such as John Redfern, Director of Military Intelligence, to work out that this would not come to pass. For one thing, thousands of armed ZANLA terrorists remained at large inside the country. In their place in the Assembly Points were thousands of youngsters masquerading as guerrillas, leaving the real terrorists free to intimidate the population and influence the voting. Commanders of the Rhodesian security forces informed General Walls of this, and he tried to persuade Lord Soames, the temporary governor sent out by Britain to preside over the election, to disqualify ZANU. Soames gave Mugabe several warnings, but took no further action to prevent ZANU from taking part in the election. 93
Prior to the election a military intelligence paper was prepared by Rhodesian officers, setting out the possible courses of action for opposing ZAPU and ZANU, and preventing them from winning the election. A second intelligence paper predicted a victory for Mugabe and warned that this could precipitate a rush of victorious terrorists into the capital, Salisbury, confronting white civilians and the security forces. Further studies described what would be ‘Vital Assets Ground’ in the event of this happening and detailed action that would need to be taken to retain these strategic areas. The papers also stressed the need in this case to swiftly "neutralize" the terrorist Assembly Points. Members of COMOPS and Special Branch involved in drafting these papers appeared to be convinced of the need for some sort of pre-emptive action to prevent the country from falling into chaos. These intelligence papers probably formed the basis of the plan that was given the code-name ‘Operation Quartz’. These plans envisaged placing Rhodesian troops at strategic points from which they could simultaneously wipe out the terrorists at the Assembly Points and assassinate Mugabe and the other terrorist leaders at their campaign headquarters. The strike would be assisted by Puma helicopters of the South African Air Force and would involve the participation of elite Recognisance units of the South African army. Clearly the Rhodesians had discussed Operation Quartz with their counterparts in the SADF and obtained their approval and cooperation. Lord Soames had already agreed to allow 400 South African troops into the country in order to protect the Beitbridge area, the main route of escape for whites if the situation were to degenerate into chaos and all-out war. In fact the number of men that the SADF sent across the border was closer to 1,000, although some were later withdrawn following protests by Mugabe. Although the full details of Operation Quartz have never been made public, some aspects of the plan have been revealed by former members of the security forces. It was divided into two parts: Operation Quartz, an overt strike against the terrorists, and Operation Hectic, a covert strike to kill Mugabe and his key personnel. The Assembly Points had been agreed on as part of the Lancaster House Agreement and were simply huge camps where thousands of terrorists were congregated. The Rhodesian security forces had been tasked with monitoring the pre-election activities and keeping the peace. Most of the front-line units were therefore already in positions within easy striking distance of the terrorist camps. Attacks on the camps would be preceded by strikes by the Rhodesian Air Force. The covert part of Operation Quartz - Operation Hectic - was to be carried out by the elite troops of the Rhodesian Special Air Service (SAS). ‘A’ Squadron of the SAS would assassinate Mugabe, while ‘B’ Squadron would take care of Vice-President Simon Muzenda and the 100-man contingent of ZANLA based in the Medical Arts Centre. ‘C’ Squadron was designated to take out the 200 ZIPRA and ZANLA men with their commanders (Rex Nhongo, Dumiso Dabengwa and Lookout Musika) 94
based at the Audio Visual Arts building of the University of Rhodesia. As far as possible, the ZIPRA men would be given an opportunity to escape, and had possibly been informed of the plan beforehand. The SAS squadrons were to be backed up by tanks and armoured cars of the Rhodesian Armoured Car Regiment, together with a surprise weapon in the form of hitherto undisclosed 106mm recoilless rifles in the Rhodesian armoury. Eland armoured cars would support ‘A’ and ‘B’ Squadrons, while the Rhodesian T-55 tanks would support ‘C’ Squadron by pounding the Audio Visual Arts building into rubble prior to the attack by the troops. At first it was intended that all eight of the T55 tanks would be used against the university buildings, but later four of them were sent to Bulawayo to assist the RLI Support Commando in the attack planned for a large Assembly Point in the area. The tanks were secretly put onto low-loaders and moved to a forward assembly area at the King George VI barracks. Rehearsals with the tanks had taken place at Kibrit barracks, and the planning was thorough and detailed. The tanks would fire approximately 80 high-explosive rounds into the building at point-blank range, after which a single tank would ram the security wall around the university. With foresight, the troops had even removed the front fenders of the tank concerned, so that debris from the wall would not get caught under them and foul the tracks! This was the command tank and during the preparations the CO was in close contact with SAS Major Bob Mackenzie, whose troops would subsequently enter the building and clear it. Trooper Hughes, who took the unique photos shown here, was loader on this particular tank and he recalls that the tanks were also equipped with spotlights and fully stocked with extra 12.7 and 7.62 ammunition in addition to the main gun load. The SAS teams would use this breach to storm the building and clear it of terrorists, marking each cleared room with a sheet draped out of the window. The SAS men were well-prepared for their task, equipped with AK-47s, body armour and stun grenades, similar to those used by their British counterparts. The operation would be over before the terrorists were aware of what was happening. As the voting drew to a close, the troops of the SAS, RLI and Selous Scouts waited eagerly for the code word ‘Quartz’ to be given. They were impatient to get to grips at last with the enemy that had always used classic guerrilla hit and run tactics. There can be no doubt that if the order had been given the terrorist forces would have been decimated within hours. Their superior numbers would have counted for little in the face of an attack by the small, but highly motivated and effective Rhodesian troops. The signal was never given and the tanks were later taken up into the new Zimbabwe Army.
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@JohanJacobs 27/11/12 References: Wikipedia
10.2 Die Smit-moorde: moorde: Politics Web Vir meer inligting kyk gerus na: http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page72308?oid=180076&sn= Marketingweb+detail&pid=90389
10.3 Die Suid-Afrikaanse Afrikaanse Kryghistoriese Vereniging: Johan van den Bergh Beste Hennie Ek aanvaar jy sien ook uit na ‘n rustiger jaareinde, soos ek. Hierby aangeheg die normale WORD WORD-kopie van ons nuusbrief, soos versoek. Baie dankie vir jou goedgunstige bereidwilligheid om om ons nuusbrief onder julle lede te versprei – dit word opreg waardeer. Beste wense Johan
NEWSLETTER No 404, 40 NOVEMBER 2012 Our speaker on 11 October 2012 was Dr Anne Samson,, an independent historian and coordinator of the Great War in East Africa Association, and the author of “World War One in Africa – the Forgotten Conflict of the Empire”, which is to be published shortly. Dr Samson introduced her lecture by asking what aspects of the campaign were of most interest to the audience, concluding th that, at, for most of us, the military aspects were what attracted our attention most. Instead of looking at these, our speaker chose to examine some of the “behind the scenes actions” of the campaign which 96
explain why or how the military campaign developed in the way it did and also to look briefly at the two best-known commanders in German East Africa – Gen Jan Christiaan Smuts and Gen Paul Erich von Lettow-Vorbeck. Dr Samson argued that none of the countries involved in the campaign had actually wanted to fight in East Africa. The only person who had an explicit intention to wage war in the area was von Lettow-Vorbeck, whose strategy was to attract as many forces away from the main battle front in Europe as he possibly could. The German Governor Heinrich von Schnee was prepared to fight only if the territory was threatened. Britain unwittingly provided that opportunity when a signaller dutifully carried out the instructions set out in the Naval Blue Book. The Royal Navy bombarded the wireless stations at Dar es Salaam on 8 August 1914, before a shot had been fired in Europe – the British Expeditionary force had not yet arrived at the front! The governor chose not to retaliate but to carry out the Kolonialamt orders to evacuate the coastal areas and destroy the wireless stations. Von Lettow-Vorbeck saw the British action as an act of war and ordered pre-emptive attacks. He had arrived in East Africa in 1914 and had toured the territory to ascertain what he needed to do to defend the colony should a war break out in Europe. In London, things were in a state of disarray. The Prime Minister, Asquith, was trying to get Britain on a war footing and planning to protect the British Isles and send the forces promised to France and Belgium. East Africa had been discussed by the cabinet on 5 August 1914, the day before Kitchener was appointed Secretary of State for War. It was decided to send a force from India to help protect British East Africa and another Indian force to invade German East Africa at Tanga. This was done with the intention of protecting sea routes rather than for territorial acquisition. This decision resulted in the fiasco at Tanga where 1 100 German troops routed 8 000 Indian invaders. This result was not surprising! After deciding to send troops on 5 August 1914, their departure was then delayed until a departure date was decided upon. The War Office, India Office, Colonial Office and Admiralty were all involved although the India Office was ultimately responsible. General Aitken believed that the landing would be a walk-over as his Indian troops would be fighting black troops – not a correct assumption! His troops spent six weeks afloat and many of the men had never seen the sea, let alone travelled in a ship. Many fell ill and no disembarkation training had been carried out. The equipment had not been packed to enable easy off-loading. Capt Caulfield, the naval officer in charge, refused to allow the transports into Tanga Bay as he was worried about mines. Also a local truce had been declared by Admiral 97
King-Hall. This truce was rejected by the Admiralty and Caulfield advised the Germans of this, so warning them of the impending attack. He then had the bay swept for mines. The time spent on all of this gave Von Lettow-Vorbeck 24 hours to move his troops to Tanga to deal with the landing. The land attack at Longido had taken place a day earlier so he could concentrate his efforts on one attack at a time. The British East African territories were all raising forces and preparing for war against the German colony. On Lake Nyasa HMS Gwendolen put the German Hedwig von Wissmann out of action and the battles of Kasoa and Karonga were fought. The German administrator, Steir, inquired of his British counterpart in Nyasaland if there was a war on as German troops were massing at Mbeya and he had not been informed! When this was confirmed the local German commander, Steinkeller, wrote to the British administrator warning him to remove women and children from the town before he attacked. Northern Rhodesia occupied Schuckmannsburg in the Caprivi Strip. Naval actions took place on Lake Tanganyika to prevent the Belgians from getting involved and the situation remained static until Cdr Spicer-Simpson arrived with his flotilla in August 1915. Battles took place on Lake Victoria between the British and Germans for dominance of the ports on the lake and attacks were made by the Germans to disrupt the Uganda Railway. In the Indian Ocean the German cruiser SMS Königsberg was causing concern and had sunk HMS Pegasus in Zanzibar harbour on 20 September 1914. She sheltered in the Rufiji delta to effect repairs and await a supply of coal. But she was found by the Royal Flying Corps and the South African hunter and scout Pieter Pretorius. After some 18 months Königsberg was finally sunk by two monitors but not before her guns were removed and they and the crew joined Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s land forces. Some 35 allied ships were released for service elsewhere by this sinking. Up to and after the battle of Tanga, control over the British forces in East Africa was in a state of shambles. The War Office controlled strategic direction but Kitchener wanted to avoid war in East Africa, whilst the general staff wanted to fight. The Colonial Office provided local direction and was responsible for costs. They were reluctant to do anything which would involve expense and this included the provision of troops and equipment. The Admiralty controlled delivery of supplies and troops and had to defend the carriers, ports and cargo in the Indian Ocean. The India Office supplied men and material and commanded the two Indian Expeditionary forces in East Africa, which were directed by the War Office and working alongside the staff and forces controlled by the Colonial Office. All of this was sure to lead to total confusion! In addition the Foreign Office was there to ensure that Britain and its allies in Africa all worked in harmony – while the Colonial Office did not really want any other countries involved. This state of affairs was 98
farcical beyond belief. Overseeing all of this mess was the cabinet which, with Asquith as prime minister, was ineffective as he believed in control by consensus. In December 1916 he was replaced as prime minister by David Lloyd George. In addition to all the London-based departments there were also many colonies, dominions and other territories overseen by governors, high commissioners and others, all liaising with London. The Governor of East Africa did not want to take his colony to war and so was not very cooperative. The Governor of Uganda did what he could to organize the forces available to protect the Uganda railway. The Governor of Nyasaland also raised local forces to the best of his ability. Portuguese East Africa was neutral until 1916 and was a useful source of communication to both the British and the Germans. Northern and Southern Rhodesia were British South Africa company territories controlled by the High Commissioner based in South Africa. He was also the Governor General of South Africa and controlled Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland. There was a period between July and September 1914 when this post was vacant and the High Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post was held by Gen James Wolfe Murray of the British Army and that of Governor General by Chief Justice Lord de Villiers and, on his death, the Attorney General Sir James Rose Innes. These people were based in different buildings and London had not realised that two people were now doing the job. South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the war and its extent was clouded by the differences between the group led by Botha and Smuts and the group that felt this would divide Afrikanerdom over the probable invasion and takeover of German South West Africa. The result was the Afrikaner revolt of 1914 followed by the invasion and takeover of German South West Africa in 1915. Many South Africans then volunteered for service in the British Armed Services. Smuts initiated the idea of South Africans going to East Africa. This was supported in South Africa but in London there was mixed reaction. Kitchener wanted the South Africans to go to France to join 1st Infantry Brigade there. The general staff were in favour of the South Africans going to East Africa and there was a deadlock, which was resolved when Kitchener was sent to the Dardanelles and Asquith became Acting Secretary of State for War in November 1915. In December 1915 it was decided that the South Africans would go to East Africa. Kitchener objected and refused to have anything to do with organising the campaign, handing all requests for supplies to the Admiralty and operational matters to Asquith. Smuts was appointed to command the forces in East Africa on 5 February 1916. 99
The South Africans fought their first battle in East Africa before Smuts arrived, under the command of Gen Smith-Dorrien. The result was the slaughter on 12 February 1916 at Salaita Hill. Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s forces were spread across the country. By now they were a finely-honed fighting force which had fought on without any support from Germany. They were largely black soldiers or Askaris, but with some white officers and NCOs and naval personnel from the Konigsberg. They learned to survive on what was available and to live off the land, which simplified logistics considerably. Each unit was independent and did not rely on their commander in chief for instructions. Opposing them was a polyglot force made up of British, South Africans, Indians, Rhodesians, East and Central Africans, joined later by Gold Coasters, Nigerians and West Indians – some 23 countries involved in the end. They were largely infantry as the climate did not really suit horses. Since 1914 there had been four Commanders in Chief, each with his personal style and idiosyncrasies. Control and command was centralised as far as was possible with the poor means of communication available. This proved to be a problem when the proper timing of coordinated attacks was essential as part of Smuts’ encircling tactics. Maps were scarce commodities for both sides but, until they were pushed south of the central railway, the Germans had a better command of the terrain. In his memoirs, Von Lettow-Vorbeck noted that, each time a map was captured, this was used to update and improve his maps and so eventually get a comprehensive map of the country. This in fact applied to both sides. Although there were stories of atrocities, these were few and in the early days of the campaign. Later on, prisoners were exchanged, truces called to collect the wounded and bury the dead and letters of complaint regarding treatment of people and ungentlemanly behaviour were exchanged. When von Lettow-Vorbeck was awarded the Pour le Mérite in November 1916, Smuts wrote to congratulate him, knowing that he would not have received the news from Germany as the telegraphic links with Germany had been severed. Both commanders were both loved and hated. Von Lettow-Vorbeck was known as a strict but humane commander, often marching with his men. Smuts was well regarded by his troops for suffering the same deprivations as his men – unlike many British officers who were perceived to live better than their troops. He was however accused of neglect by some of his more senior commanders for overstretching his supply lines too much – often men were marching and fighting on quarter rations. This probably applied to both sides as German East Africa had very poor roads and railways and animal transport suffered heavily from disease. Smuts was in East Africa for approximately one year. There seems to have been only 100
one occasion when Smuts and Von Lettow-Vorbeck personally commanded the forces that opposed each other. This was in the lead-up to the battle of Wami in August 1916. It does not appear that they were aware of this. In January 1917, Smuts was recalled and told that he would be attending Lloyd George’s Imperial War meetings in London on behalf of Louis Botha. On his departure Smuts announced that the Germans had been defeated. They had lost control of the most important towns and all that remained to be done were mopping-up operations. This, however, was not the case at all and Gen Hoskins, Smuts’ successor, was replaced after three months for inactivity. In fact, he had been repairing much-needed lines of communication during the rainy season, when fighting was almost impossible. In fact there is evidence to indicate that Smuts had been involved in the removal of Hoskins and his replacement by Gen Jaap van Deventer as commander-in-chief. Van Deventer was to see the campaign through to its end, even though he was not at hand to accept the surrender. Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s struggle had taken him deep into Portuguese East Africa (almost reaching the Zambezi River), back into German East Africa and into northern Rhodesia where the last battle was fought on 13 November 1918 at Kasama. The Germans surrendered unconditionally on 16 November 1918 – five days after the formal cessation of hostilities - and the formal surrender took place at Abercorn to Gen Edwards on 25 November 1918. Smuts was in London representing South Africa at Imperial War meetings and thereafter, at Lloyd George’s request, he stayed on as “handyman of the Empire” resolving issues – strikes by Welsh miners, visiting the front, preparing the defence of London against air attack and being part of the process of founding the RAF, among others. As a result of Smuts’ request to be allowed to take over Belgian-held territory in German East Africa, the Foreign Office thought it prudent to ascertain the war aims of the various countries involved in Africa. The Belgians and Portuguese were quite concerned that South Africa was after their territory. Smuts was also involved in plans for the creation of a League of Nations and a mandate system. On 19 January 1919, five years after the date he arrived in East Africa, Von LettowVorbeck was on his way home. The decision not to return German East Africa to Germany had been taken. He had been undefeated and was the only German general to occupy British territory but the German colony would become a British mandate. In 1920, Von Lettow-Vorbeck and Governor Schnee joined forces for the first time (even though the Governor had stayed the course of the campaign in East Africa) to fight for the return of the colony to Germany as they had not been defeated. But it was not to be. 101
Smuts and Von Lettow-Vorbeck finally met one another at a dinner in London in 1929. They remained in contact with each other and, during the Second World War Smuts and other British friends sent food parcels to Germany to help Von LettowVorbeck through some tough times after Hitler had cancelled all his allowances, Their last contact was two weeks before Smuts died in 1950. In 1953 Von LettowVorbeck returned to Africa to see the changes that had occurred and was welcomed by his surviving Askaris. Ten years later, the year he died, the German government finally decided to pay the surviving Askaris their outstanding salaries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fifty years after they had served the Kaiser. The time Smuts spent in East Africa facing Von Lettow-Vorbeck has become the most well-known part of the East Africa campaign. The British press, after Tanga and the defeat at Jasin in 1915, carried very few reports. The campaign was regarded as a side show when compared with the European struggles. The arrival of Smuts spurred the campaign into action and his driving, or rather the avoiding tactics of the Germans, enabled him to take control of the German territory. Smuts the politician recognized the power and influence of the press and ensured that he sent regular positive reports back to South Africa and London. Life for the troops under Smuts was hard and improved only slightly later on. Gen Jaap van Deventer carried on the campaign until the end but as the war had become a relentless pursuit of the German forces, there was little to report. It is estimated that one million lives were lost, including porters. Of the British losses, 75% died from disease and malnutrition. The cost to Britain was 72 million pounds, four times the 1914 military budget. The cost to South Africa was 39 million pounds. Britain achieved what it desired, except for Rwanda and Burundi. India failed to obtain colonial territory and South Africa failed to expand. Belgium gained more than it wanted and only Portugal was happy with what territorial gains they received. In the final assessment, Lord Kitchener was right. There had been no need to fight the East African campaign. Why Kitchener was against the war in East Africa is the subject for another talk, as is the reason why South Africa has done so little to remember the loss of so many young lives in East Africa. Had it not been for 1916, the one year when Jan Smuts and Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck faced one another, the East African campaign would still be as little-known as the West African and Palestinian campaigns of that same world war. For members with a special interest in the German East African Campaign, the website of the Great War in East Africa Association is http://gweaa.com/. The Chairman thanked Dr Samson for giving us a rare treat, a preview of her forthcoming book, and remarked that it was a particular pleasure to have a lady 102
speaker for a change. He then presented her with a small gift. FORTHCOMING LECTURES 8 NOVEMBER 2012: ASSEGAIS, DRUMS & DRAGOONS: A MILITARY AND SOCIAL HISTORY OF THE CAPE – A PERSONAL ODYSSEY by Willem Steenkamp Maj Willem Steenkamp is well-known as military historian. He started his professional career as a journalist and was for many years the correspondent on military matters for a local newspaper, which gave him the insight and developed the necessary skills to become the author of note which he is today. He will share thoughts on his latest book, Assegais, Drums & Dragoons: A Military and Social History of the Cape with members of the audience, as well as some of the interesting discoveries he made about the development and role of the ordinary infantry soldier at the Cape between 1510 and 1806. But it also has a personal side - the most startling discovery he made concerns his own ancestors and heritage. He came to the conclusion that the real history of the Cape is indeed very different to what the established historiography to this day reflects. DECEMBER 2012: RECESS 17 JANUARY 2013: “PSEUDO” OPERATIONS IN POST-WW II INSURGENCY WARFARE: IT’S ORIGIN, PURPOSE & APPLICATION IN COMBAT, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE SELOUS SCOUTS, AND SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF THE RHODESIAN BUSH WAR by Stephan Fourie Mr Stephan Fourie has on previous occasions held the audience spell-bound with his first-person accounts and reminiscences as a National Serviceman taking part in Combat Group Foxbat’s epic Blitzkrieg-like advance across Angola during Operation Savannah in 1975 (Newsletter No. 276, March 2001*), followed later by a talk focussing specifically on the Battles of Ebo and Bridge 14 as some highlights of Operation Savannah (No. 355, June 2008). Last year he spoke about his experiences as a volunteer in the Rhodesian Armoured Car Regiment (No. 389, July 2011). What few people know, is that he subsequently transferred to the elite Selous Scouts after successfully passing the gruelling selection course. In his forthcoming talk he will discuss the concept of “pseudo operations” that was undertaken with great success in some post-WWII insurgency wars, particularly in Malaya against the Chinese Communists, against the Mau-Mau in Kenya, and lastly in Rhodesia, where the concept of “pseudo operators” were perfected and executed with great success. He will end his lecture by sharing some of his personal experiences of his service with the Scouts. 103
* Back-issues of the Cape Town branch’s newsletters are to be found on the Society’s national webpage at <http://samilitaryhistory.org/archive.html> or by typing “SAMHS newsletters” into the search facility of your favourite internet search engine. BOB BUSER: Treasurer/Asst. Scribe Phone: 021-689-1639 (Home) Email: bobbuser@webafrica.org.za
RAY HATTINGH: Secretary Phone: 021-592-1279 (Office) Email: ray@saarp.co.za
10.3 Die Grens- en bosoorlog: Genl Johan van der Merwe Vriende, Die volgende stelling van dr. Johann Ernst is 'n growwe veralgemening en sonder enige feitlike grondslag : “Ek is een van daardie jongmanne wie se pa’s hulle oorlog toe gestuur het sodat die pa’s (Willem de Klerks) in die vet van die land kon bly voortleef. Dit was die eerste geslag Afrikaners (dié bokant 70 vandag) wat te bang was om self die land te verdedig en hulle kinders gestuur het om dit vir hulle te gaan doen. Dit is ook die grootste skreeuers teen Belhar. Mense wat klaar lekker geleef het. Afrikaners met kapitaal! Ek kyk liewer na my kinders en kleinkinders se toekoms en vertrou God daarmee”. In die S A Polisie het pa en seun saam op die grens geveg. Ek was vir drie jaar in SWA (Namibië) waar ek daadwerklik by die bestryding van die gewapende aanslag betrokke was. My oudste seun wat toe in die polisie was, was saam met my in SWA. Ons het beslis nie op die vet van die land geleef nie. Trouens dit het maar broekskeur gegaan om kop bo water te hou. Enige pa wat sy sout werd was sou baie eerder self op die grens gaan veg het as om sy seun te stuur. Dit was egter in baie gevalle nie prakties moontlik nie. As gevolg van dienspligstelsel wat toe in die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag gegeld het, is daar noodwendig meer jongmanne grens toe gestuur. Ek daag dr. Ernst om aan die hand van feite te bewys dat “die grootste skreeuers teen Belhar mense is wat te bang was om self die land te verdedig en hulle kinders gestuur het om dit te doen. Wat klaar lekker geleef het. Afrikaners met kapitaal.” Die volgende stelling belig myns insiens die wese van die geskil oor die Belharbelydenis: “ Belhar kan vir ons die deur na gister toesluit en vir ons die deur na môre oopsluit. Niks wat uit die anti-Belhar kring opgedis word, help ons na môre nie. Dit laat net ‘n 104
generasie met bittergal in hulle strandhuise by die see sit. Diegene wat ‘n gemors van die verlede gemaak het, het geen geloofwaardigheid mee om enigiets aan ons toekoms te doen nie. As ek hulle was, het ek liefs in skaamte geswyg.” Soos ek dit verstaan gaan dit nie hier eerstens of die Belharbelydenis my verhouding met die Drie-enige God en my naaste op Bybelse grondslag suiwer vergestalt nie, maar oor Belhar wat die deur na gister toesluit en die deur na môre oopsluit. Die ouer generasie het 'n gemors van die verlede gemaak en Belhar gaan dit regmaak. Indien dit die bedoeling is, wag daar 'n wrede ontnugtering op dr. Ernst. Die SuidAfrikaanse Raad van Kerke wat nou deel van die VGKSA is, was bloot 'n gerieflike werktuig vir die ANC/SAKP-alliansie om hulle doelstellings te bereik. Die invloed van die VGKSA op politieke terrein is onbenullig. Voorvadergeeste en Sangomas het baie meer invloed. Ek het nogal gehoop dat dr. Stoffel van der Merwe se relaas oor die wesenskenmerke van apartheid 'n beter begrip van die probleme waarmee ons, die ouer generasie geworstel het, by dr. Ernst sou skep. Hy het dit ter insae gehad. Dat mnr. F W de Klerk en die Nasionale Party in baie opsigte verbrou het, is gewis en seker. Die vraag is egter waar in Afrika het demokrasie geslaag en 'n gesonde staatkundige bedeling geskep? Ek heg die kommentaar wat ek na aanleiding van kritiek wat ek voorheen ontvang het, gelewer het, weer hierby aan.(Word nie aangeheg nie.) Groete Johan van der Merwe
10.4 Artikel 5 – Oos-Rand, Eenheid 6: Anemarie Jansen & Larry Hanton
Kol Hein Kilian vertel verder, soos vertel aan, en weergegee deur, Anemari Jansen en Larry Hanton.
Foto 1: Kol Marinkowitz (radio tegnies) en Kaptein Kilian by `n geselligheid by die eenheid se kantien.
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Man, 1978 toe ek van offisierskursus af kom, toe moes ons Saterdae oortyd werk. En die offisier moet nou saam met die polisievrou werk. Ek weet nie of hulle nie die outjies saam met die vroue vertrou het of wat nie. Nou loop ek en Xxx daar in Princeslaan en daar kom `n “verdagte” so uit die OK Bazaar uit gehardloop, en almal skreeu keer keer. Ek gryp hom daar vas – toe het hy `n klomp vroue onderklere gesteel, ek druk hom daar vas en ek vra Xxx of sy magtiging het om te bestuur. Ja, sê sy en ek sê vir haar nou gaan haal die polisiekar. Dit was so `n ou geel Valiant. Nou is dit Saterdagoggend, die dorp is vol en die omstanders raak opstandig, want ek druk hierdie perd vas. Ek maak die agterdeur oop, ek laai hom agterin en ek sê vir haar ry polisiestasie toe. Maar sy ry. Kyk, ek en die “verdagte” is meer af van die sitplek af as op die sitplek. Ons kom daar by die stasie en sy stop en ons is weer af van die sitplek. Nou is ons by die stasie in, en wat jy gewoonlik doen is om hom onder die toonbank te laat sit en ek maak `n “skeleton docket” oop. Ek vra vir hom wat is sy naam, maar hy brom-
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brom. Maar Xxx haak vas en sy moer hom onder daai toonbank. “Wat is jou f@kken naam”, en sy pluk hom daar uit. Kyk, sy het nie k@k van kabouters gevat nie. Nou hou ek maar my pose, jy weet, ek is `n jong offisiertjie en ek kan nou nie ook die perd daar `n paar warm klappe gee nie. Die volgende oomblik toe trek sy die perd daar bymekaar maar sy moer hom vet. As sy hom `n vraag vra moet hy antwoord. Daarna, toe sing hy soos `n kanarie. Nee jis, daai was nie jou antie nie. Nee, ek dink sy sou `n paar ouens dik gedonner het in haar dae, dis verseker. Sy het ook daarop geroem dat sy enige ou onder die tafel in kan drink. Sy het nie dat enige man haar intimideer nie. In 1972 het vroue in die polisie ingekom. Aanvanklik was dit vir ons as oudpolisiemanne `n vreeslike aanpassing gewees. Kyk, daar het `n paar móói polisievrouens ingekom, en minder mooies - die mooies is natuurlik verskriklik gejag. Baie van hulle is met polisiemanne getroud ook. Van die minder mooies het maar so rondgefloat en van hulle is ook eventueel getroud, met haasmanne en ander polisiemanne. Kyk, `n haasman is `n ou wat nie `n polisieman is nie. Ek het twee van hulle gehad wat die kursus gedoen het saam met Louis-hulle. Jeanine en Madelein. Later het Tessa Nel bygekom. Sy het nou laasjaar eers afgetree van die eenheid af. Daar was nie baie vrouens nie, maar die wat by my eenheid betrokke was, het baie goeie werk gedoen. Daar was tye wat dit maar moeilik en rof gegaan het. Jy het ook maar jou moangatte en huilies gehad. Ouens wat na hulle ma`s toe gehardloop het, een sommer na die minister toe. Hoe het jy die ma`s hanteer? Het hulle jou gebel? Jy sal dit nie glo nie, maar ek was op `n stadium geparadeer gewees. `n Ou het `n naamlose brief geskryf vir die kommisaris, en hy het vyf aantygings daarin gemaak. Ek vloek die ouens (die enigste ding wat waar was), ek gebruik my polisiekar terwyl ek op verlof is, ek kry `n duiktoelaag maar ek duik nooit nie. Dit was so vier of vyf aantygings, maar dit was `n klomp str@nt gewees, maar toe paradeer hulle my voor `n generaal Stevens. Gelukkig het my seun `n plakboek bymekaargehou. Toe het ek al die foto`s waar ons lyke uitgeduik het. So dit was ongesubstansieërde aantygings.
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Foto 2: Kaptein Kilian met mede-duikers van die eenheid. Dat ek ouens gevloek het, was die waarheid, veral die ouens wat slapgat was. Wat die gebruik van die kar betref terwyl ek met verlof was - `n ou in Boksburg het `n kind doodgeskiet naby EG Jansen hoĂŤrskool. Hy het van sy kop af geraak toe skiet hy die bure se veertienjarige seun. En hy skiet die vrou se papegaai dood met `n jaggeweer, `n dertig-nul-ses, en haar lappoppe. Ek was met verlof, oor Kerstyd. Oujaarsdag, 31 Desember. Dinge ruk handuit en een van die ouens bel my en sĂŞ hoor hierso, hier`s moeilikheid, jy moet kom. Ek bel toe die outjies by die eenheid en vra hulle om my te kom haal met my kar, en ons ry soontoe. Toe hulle my oplaai, toe is ek op die radio en plaas myself aan diens. En ons het natuurlik daardie goed hanteer. Jy kordonneer af, jy stig `n opskamer en doen dinge volgens die boek. Ek en Gerhard het ingegaan om hierdie ou te arresteer, toe skiet hy homself dood. Hy het op `n tafel en stoel gestaan hy wou in die plafon inklim, toe ons die deur slaan, toe skiet hy homself voor ons dood, en val. Na die situasie ry ek met my kar huis toe want ek moes die tweede Januarie by die werk wees. En dis nou waar ek my kar gebruik het terwyl ek op verlof was. Kyk, ek het `n baie goeie idee wie dit was. As jy `n grief teen iemand het, dan skryf jy nie `n 108
naamlose brief nie. Dis in die eerste plek `n ou wat `n slapgat of `n lafaard is. Dit was `n ou wat ek eendag opgedonner het by die eenheid. En hy het nie die guts gehad om sy pak te vat, of my te kom konfronteer nie. Maar daardie selfde generaal voor wie ek geparadeer was, het die eenheid agterna kom besoek. Hy en omtrent vier of vyf generaals. En hulle het mos nou agtergekom wie is die eenheid en wat doen ons. Dit was nie toe Adriaan Vlok daar was nie, dit was voor dit. Die aand voor hulle ry, toe stap hy saam met my en klap my nog so agter op die skouers en sê: “Jy doen `n baie goeie job - donner hulle op.” Net so. Dit was sy spesifieke woorde aan my. Dit het my verskriklik gegrief, die naamlose brief.
Foto 3: Kapt Kilian en Gert van der Merwe tydens huispenetrasie oefeninge. En dan die ou wie se ma vir die minister gesê het hy kry nie kos nie, ou Nick se ma, maar hy het my agterna kom om verskoning vra. En dit was nonsens man. Hulle het kos gevat vir die lede, elke dag, van die menasie af, Wayne Farr het met `n spesiale voertuig gaan aflewer. Voor ons Dunnottar toe is het ons nie `n kombuis gehad nie, toe het ons baie swaargekry. Ons het baie dae van die oorskietkos van die Benoni menasie geleef. In die lokasies kon jy niks koop nie, alles was vol traanrook en daar was in elk geval baie min te koop. 109
Ons het een aand uit Kwa-Thema uit gery met twee Casspirs, na my huis toe en ons was erg honger. Hulle het my sypaadjie in sy peetjie in gery. My vrou het iets soos vyf en twintig brode daardie aand opgesny. My laaitie het net kafee toe en terug gejaag heeltyd, as hy die bord so neersit, dan is dit nét so, dan is daar niks nie. Ekself het nie eens een broodjie gehad daai aand nie. As `n ou honger gely het, het ek saam met hom honger gely, verstaan., Ek het nie gery en iewers gaan eet nie en teruggekom en gesê oukei julle moet maar vrek van die honger nie. Daar was nie sulke dinge nie. Vandat ons Dunnottar toe getrek het kan `n ou nooit sê hy het nie kos gekry nie. Ons het vir hulle kos in die lokasie gaan aflewer. Maar soos mense nou maar is, nou kry hy vier toebroodjies en dan kla hy daaroor.
Foto 4: Lede van die eenheid kyk toe terwyl tradisionele wapens ingehandig word. “`n Dom vraag: hoe het salarisse gelyk?” vra Anemari. Die ou wat by die polisie aangesluit het, kry dadelik `n salaris. As hy na die Eenheid toe gekom het – omdat ons `n onluseenheid was, het hulle ietsie ekstra gekry, nie veel nie, maar darem. Ek het nog iewers my ou betaalstrokies – my laaste bedrag wat ek uitgekry het was R 2 900. Die salarisse was altyd pateties swak, maar jy het nie vir die salaris polisie toe gegaan nie. Uit die aard van die saak moes meeste van ons se vrouens werk. As 110
jou vrou nie gewerk het nie het jy swaargetrek – en baie ouens het swaargetrek. Vrouens het die pot aan die kook gehou. Jy`t maar die huis betaal en die kinders se skoolfonds en sulke goed. En baie ouens se vrouens kon nie die druk hanteer nie. Ek meen, jy kan verstaan, jy`t `n babatjie, en die ou is nooit daar nie. Jy sit as `n vrou by die huis alleen in die nag, die kind het kroep, of hy`t gastro of die tipe van goed en jy moet die hele nag met daardie kind sit en more moet jy weer gaan werk. Baie vrouens kon dit nie hanteer het nie, dan vat hulle maar die pad, gaan terug na die ma toe - as die ou by die huis kom het sy weggeloop. Daar was altyd huislike probleme. Baie ouens se meisies het my gebel met vrae soos: hy sê hy`s by die werk, ís hy by die werk, jy weet want hulle het nooit geglo `n ou kan so baie werk nie. Ek meen jissie, Saterdagaand kom en gaan, Vrydagaand kom en gaan, Maandagoggend is hy miskien n bietjie af, en dan Wo, Do, Vr, Sat, Sondag sien jy hom nie weer nie. Kyk, daai tyd was daar nie selfone nie. Nou, die enigste telefoon was by die polisiestasie. In die hewige onlusgebiede was daar net `n polisieradio, en die pagers of Beepers wat ons gedra het. Baiemaal het ons gesukkel met opvangs met die polisieradio’s. So kommunikasie was `n werklike probleem. Net voor ek uit die Mag uit is het ons Beepers gehad, wat ons self gereël het deur die Brandweer. Ek sal sê 1980 tot 1989, en beslis 1990, was daar groot, groot, onlussituasies gewees. Daar is ook die kwessie rondom kommunikasie met die vrouens. Baie van die ouens soos Larry Hanton, en ek en Bert Steyn, wat lank getroud was – se vrouens het vrede gemaak met ons werk as polisiemanne – ek meen, toe Larry Taakmag toe is, was hy ook net so lank by die huis weg. Karen het al geweet, as hy nie daar is nie is hy nie daar nie, verstaan. Maar sy het geweet hy is by die werk. Dit is die verskil. Baie van die ouens wat nie `n standvastige verhouding gehad het nie, het probleme gehad. Ek dink jy en jou vrou moet eerstens vriende wees, en ek sou sê daar moet wedersydse respek vir mekaar wees. Baie outjies was jonk getroud en baie geskei soos China Bekker en Moaner. Moaner het `n baie stormagtige verhouding gehad voor hy getroud is. Jy weet, die outjies was jonk, en van die girls het hulle baie gelaaik. As jy in die dorp rondgeloop het met jou cammo... daar was nooit `n tekort aan vroumense nie. Uit persoonlike ondervinding kan ek jou ook sê – baie vroumense hóú van `n ou in uniform. Veral as `n ou goed lyk in sy uniform, As jy `n ou kry wat mooi gebou is, en hy lyk netjies – 111
ek jou sê, meisies is nie `n probleem nie. Ek kan jou verseker, jy kan maar gaan kyk, selfs in Amerika, as daardie ouens daar staan op parade, met hulle uniform en medaljes aan, step-outs en goed, die vroumense drool oor hulle. Hy hoef nie die aantreklikste ou te wees nie, maar hy lyk aantreklik in `n uniform. `n Uniform maak ouens net meer gesog en aanvaarbaar en baiekeer, jy kan maar kyk, het ouens in hulle uniforms getrou. En dit het baie probleme veroorsaak. Die ouens maak ogies vir die girls, en die girls vir die ouens - en more oormore het hy die girl se adres gevat, en dan die tyd wat hy af is, wat hy by die huis moet wees, gaan kuier hy by die girlfriend, jy weet. So daardie tipe van dinge het gebeur. Net so op `n ligter nooit, daar was `n ou by ons op die eenheid, ou Dirk Struwig. Een van daai yster-ouens. Hy het nou lank in Irak en daai plekke ook gewerk. Nou`s hy nie getroud nie en hy ry eendag saam met my Benoni Stadsraad toe. Nou vertel hy my van hierdie mooi girl wat hy gesien het, hierdie blonde, en net toe kom hierdie girl ingestap. Sy sê sy is van Modder-Oos en ek vra nogal so ewe watter kant is Modder-Oos, en sy beduie nee dis diekant toe só, en toe het sy net so `n klos hare onder haar arms. Dis `n mooi girl jy weet, `n aantreklike meisie, maar toe sit die wit salpeterkolle so onder haar arm. Ek sê toe Dirk, het jy gesien hoe lyk daai ding se arms daar onder. Wat`s fout met haar arms, vra hy toe so ewe. Ek sê man sy skeer nie haar onderarmhare nie, lyk soos `n bos hier onder haar arm. Nooit, hy het dit nie gesien nie. Maar dis sulke goedjies soos daardie wat jy onthou, en oor lag.
10.4 Anglo- Boer War: Elands River Siege: BSAP – Terry Schwartz
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11. HERALDRY, UNIFORMS, COLOURS, FLAGS, MEDALS, MEMORIALS & BUILDINGS/ HERALDIEK, UNIFORMS, VAANDELS, VLAE, MEDALJES, GEDENKTEKENS & GEBOUE 11.1 Website: The South African Police Hall of Fame -
11.2 SAP Badge & Filler: Courage
11.3 SAP Medaljes: Me Marlene Swanepoel SAPD Museum - Polisiekruis vir dapperheid en die SAW se SD
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Jonathan Pittaway en HBH is besig om al die dekorasies en medaljes wat Koevoet-lede ontvang het na te vors. Genl Mike Geldenhuys is met die SAW se Suiderkruis-dekorasie (SD) vereer vir die bekamping van terreur in SWA met inbegrip van Koevoet. Die foto van die SD is verskaf deur Gerald Prinsloo van die SANW Argief. Ironies, meer lede van die SAW het medaljes in optredes saam met Koevoet ontvang, as Koevoet-lede self. Die SAWlede is van die lugmag en mediese dienste. Genl Dreyer het een maal gesĂŞ daar was nie â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n gepaste medalje vir Koevoet-lede nie.
- Polisiester vir Uitnemende Leierskap (SED)
- Polisiekruis en -ster vir verdienste 114
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- Ster vir Voortreflikediens en troue diens medalje
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Kommentaar HBH: Hierdie vier bostaande dekorasies/medaljes is in die vroeg 1960’s ingevoer. Die reël was: Offisiere ontvang nie troue diens medaljes nie. So het mens later generaals en senior offisiere gekry wat voor 18 jaar diens, offisier geword het. Hulle het ook nie die “Rooi Eed” afgelê nie en gevolglik geen medaljes gehad nie. Die sitate is verander en offisiere het ook troue diens medaljes gekry en die SOO is onder meer ingebring vir die generaals en ander wat hul onderskei het, soos bv “Die Rooi Rus”.
Ook is daar die
polisiekruis vir dapperheid (in die plek van die KPM) ingevoer. (Daar was die ou 18 jaar medalje) Die ster vir verdienste is aanvanklik op 33 jr toegeken. (Die medalje en die ou 18 jaar het saam geloop.) Hierdie en ou 18 jaar was die medaljes van die 1960’s. Heelwat later is die 10-, 20-, 30 jaar en balkie vir 40 jaar ingevoer.
11.4 Keiskammahoek Police Station: Henry Beling The Old Keiskammahoek Police Station in the Eastern Cape taken during the early 1960s'. It is an old British fort, steeped in history relating to the Frontier Wars. Keiskammahoek is situated in the former Ciskei and is near King Williams Town. The new Police station was built in 1969. Although declared a historical monument, it has been left to deteriorate to the extent that it is now starting to break up.
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12. VESTED INTERESTS GELEENTHERDE
OF
VETERANS
/LEDE
AAN-
12.1 Polmed -
12.2 Injuries on duty / Beserings aandiens -
12.3 eNONGQAI: Vol 3 No. 11: Par 17.3: Regsvraag: Johan Henning: Kommissaris van Ede-hoedanigheid na aftrede uit S.A. Polisie Goeie dag Hennie, Hier is my stuiwertjie vir die bovermelde beursie: Kommissaris-van-Ede-skap kleef nie aan 'n polisiebeampte se rang nie, daardie hoedanigheid kleef daaraan dat iemand 'n lid van die Mag is, met ander woorde uit hoofde van sy amp as 'n lid van die Mag, ongeag of so iemand 'n konstabel of 'n kolonel in die "Mag" is. Laat ek verduidelik: Die bemagtigingswet is die Wet op Vrederegters en Kommissarisse van Ede, 16 van 1963 (die Wet). Die Wet maak voorsiening dat die "Minister van Justisie", of sy gedelegeerde beampte, kommissarisse van ede op twee maniere kan aanstel. Ingevolge artikel 5(1) van die Wet kan die Minister of sy gedelegeerde beampte "... iemand as 'n kommissaris van ede aanstel ..." en ingevolge artikel 5(2) beklee 'n kommissaris van ede wat aldus aangestel is, " ... sy amp solank dit die Minister behaag." 'n Artikel 5 aangestelde kommissaris van ede beklee dus sy amp in sy persoonlike hoedanigheid by naam. Dit is dan ook so 'n soort kommissaris van ede wat kolonel Johan Henning sou geword het indien sy aansoek suksesvol afgehandel sou gewees het. Artikel 6 van die Wet bepaal die Minister kan "... by kennisgewing in die Staatskoerant die bekleĂŤr van 'n amp as 'n kommissaris van ede aanwys vir 'n gebied in die kennisgewing vermeld, en kan so 'n kennisgewing insgelyks intrek of wysig." Hierdie soort kommissarisse van ede word in die opskrif van artikel 6 genoem "Kommissarisse van ede ex officio." ("Ex officio" beteken letterlik: "Uit hoofde van sy/haar/my amp".) Die destydse Minister, wyle mnr Abdulah Mohamed Omar, het by wyse van Goewermentskennisgewing No. 903, gedateer 10 Julie 1998, die bekleĂŤrs van die ampte vermeld in die Skedule tot die G.K., aangewys as kommissarisse van ede vir die Republiek van Suid-Afrika met ingang van daardie datum. Met betrekking tot die 118
Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens wil ek die spesifieke bewoording uit die Skedule aanhaal: "63. South African Police Service. - All members of the Force, including temporary members, members of the Reserve Police Force and members of the Police Reserve when on duty as such." Myns insiens is die crux van die saak dat kolonel Henning opgehou het om 'n member of the Force te gewees het vanaf die oomblik dat hy uit diens getree het (afgetree het) en derhalwe, van toe af, opgehou het om 'n kommissaris van ede ex officio te wees. Artikel 33(5) van Wet 68 van 1995 is baie duidelik in sy bepalings - slegs die kommisie en rang word behou en niks meer nie. Expressum facit cessare tacitum - die uitdruklike sluit die stilswyende uit. (Brigadier) Dirk Lambrechts se regsmening in bovermelde verband, is myns insiens, met respek, korrek (soos gewoonlik)! Met vriendelike groete MJ NEL Genl-maj (Afg: S. A. Polisie).
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Dankie Genl!
12.4 New IPA South Africa Website: Vossie de Vos A: The National Executive Committee B: The Regional and Branch Committees C: All IPA Members and Friends Greetings to you all. Re: New IPA South Africa Website At long last and after many attempts, I am today privileged to inform all IPA (SA) members that our new Website is now accessable at the folloiwng link: http://ipasafrica.co.za/ You will also attached find a high level index of the information contained on our new Website. Apart from general information contained within the various fields, our members will also be able to download various other documents which contain specific information. Apart from the general information contained on the HOME PAGE, please refer to “The President’s Message” under “NEWS and EVENTS” for a 119
more detailed introduction to our new Website. Our Website is not the “‘be all and end”. It is our sincere intention to continuously maintain and update it with the most latest and relevant information. We will as such appreciate your inputs and feedback to ensure that we can enhance it even further. I sincerely trust that you will all find the new Website much more user friendly and be proud of what has been achieved. You should please note that the e-mail address of IPA South Africa remains unchanged: ipasa@lantic.co.za Hoping to hear from you. Servo per Amikeco Pilot Loots: President: IPA South Africa
IPA (SA) President: Pilot Loots
13. THE LIBRARY / DIE BOEKRAK 13.1 Die Padkaart van ’n Speurder My Storie.
Wouter Grové
Hallo Almal, Uiteindelik het ons Wouter se boek in ons hande! Dit is ’n groot opgewondenheid hier! Ons het reeds hier plaaslik die eerste 30 boeke verkoop, tussen Donderdag en Sondag. Hier volg nou die besonderhede waar julle die boeke kan kry. Julle kan natuurlik ook by ’n boekwinkel navraag doen en hulle kan dit by "On the dot" bestel. Naam: Die Padkaart van ’n Speurder, My Storie. Wouter Grové Uitgewer: Naledi Koste: R150 120
Die maklikste gaan wees om hulle bemarkings koรถrdineerder Marinda Meyer te kontak. Hier volg haar besonderhede: Marinda Meyer Marketing ting Coordinator/Bemarkings-koรถrdineerder Coordinator/Bemarkings Naledi e-pos: marinda1meyer@gmail.com Cell/Sel: 083 236 9788 Fax/Faks: 086 236 0853 Hoop julle kom reg. eg. As julle sukkel kontak my weer dan help ek so gou moontlik. Groete en lekker lees. Rina. Luit--genl Wouter Grove is afgetree.
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14. HUMOUR IN UNIFORM 14.1 The Sardonic “British Police Guide” Jeff Manning (SAP, BSAP, UK)
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(I have read the original book, the sardonic humour has changed it somewhat! - HBH)
14.2 Krygkor & John Deere: Dave Baker
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15. ANECDOTES, A POINT TO PONDER, ETC -
Cry our beloved Country Filler: Chinese Flooding South-Africa under ANC guardianship By Editor – November 18, 2012Posted in: Articles Chinese flooding South Africa Hannes Engelbrecht The new colonials have arrived. Without as much as a whisper the South African government allowed at least 400 000 Chinese to swamp the country during the past six years. Chinese migrants, mainly from the overpopulated Fujian province in China, have been shipped off to South Africa at an alarming rate. Spreading all over the country….. Even in the remotest parts, between 6000 and 12000 “Chinese shops” sprang up – indicating that the phenomenon is well-orchestrated by both China and South Africa. Prof Colin McCarthy, retired from the University of Stellenbosch, first noted the “Chinese colonization”. Says Prof McCarthy: “All the evidence indicates that the project to set up such an extensive network of Chinese shops, all following the same pattern and targeting the same market, was well researched, well planned, well organized and well financed”. The young, unemployed couples from Fujian province settled into the network – pushing up cheap Chinese plastics, products and clothing into a lucrative retail chain far bigger than Pick n Pay, Pep Stores or Edgars. And to make matters worse: most of the Chinese shops are not registered and do not pay any taxes in South Africa; not even import or export duties – in fact, China put its clothing exports to South Africa to R11,3 billion in 2010; while South Africa’s failing statistics put the Chinese clothing imports at only R6,7 billion! It means that in one single year R4,6 billion worth of Chinese clothing entered South Africa illegally.
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A South African Revenue Services employee spilled the beans on a small Chinese shop in a rural area where, when raided by SARS, R1,2 million was found under the counter. Janet Wilhelm of the HSRC observes: “It is amazing how so many people can enter a country seemingly unnoticed!” She quotes the SAPS Aliens Investigation Unit as saying “many Chinese travel to South Africa via Mbabane, Maputo and Maseru from where they enter South Africa with false identity documents by road”. Patrick Chong, chairman of the Chinese Association of South Africa, says: “Many would enter on tourist or student visas then simply stay”. Researchers of Noseweek followed the Chen family where one pioneer settled illegally in South Africa, spreading within four years to 172 members of the family scattered across Lesotho trading Chinese products. What is even more mind-boggling and sinister is that the South African ANC government officially proclaimed Chinese as “honorary blacks”, making them exempt from affirmative action, quotas and Black Economic Empowerment. The whole “Chinese” experiment has been carefully planned, criminally enhanced, and no doubt… vast sums of money are involved, lining the pockets of very influential South African politicians. It is ironic that while populists like Malema and Shivangu walk about claiming “land and minerals for the South African people”, the ANC government has allowed at least 400 000 additional Indians and Pakistanis, at least 400 000 Chinese and at least 10 million illegals from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola and now also Zambia into the country… Vuller deur Roy Allen (Australië).
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16. OOR DIE NONGQAI SE DRUMPEL 16.1 Besoek aan die IPA (SA): Pilot & Doreen Loots
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16.2 Besoek aan die IPA (SA): Den Alberts
(Dames, Den is nie so ‘n mooi man nie! Dis net ek, wat sulke goeie foto’s neem – HBH)
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16.3 Besoek aan Johan Ferreira
16.4 Besoek aan Herman van Deventer
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16.5 Besoek deur Hein Goussard (Karos, Mc Dougalsbaai, Kalahari)
(Hoe lekker gesels “Karos” met Div in die Kaap!)
16.6 Besoek deur Andre du Toit (Durban)
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16.7 Besoek deur Neelsie Borea (Pretoria)
16.8 Visit by Col Terry Schwartz (BSAP & SAP) East Rand
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17. NEWS FROM ALL OVER - THE POLICE POST BAG / NUUS POS VAN HEINDE EN VERRE - POLISIE-POSSAK 17.1 Kamele in die SAP: Dr Henry Abbott (Upington) Hennie, Dit is een of ander fliek wat vir 30 pond gekoop kan word. Hier is die stil fotografie van die film http://www.britishpathe.com/video/stills/desert-patrol groete, Henry Abbott.
17.2 Kol de Kock en genl Sterk Hans Dreyer : Tiekie de Jager Hennie, Opgregte dank en respek vir die morele moed om die artikel mbt Gene en Oom Hans te plaas. Beide van hulle, legendes in hulle eie tyd en ‘n reuse voorbeeld vir almal wat nog nie vrede met mekaar of die verloop van die onveranderbare geskiedenis gemaak het nie. Tiekie de Jager.
17.2 SAW vier 100 jaar: Paul Els Besoek gerus Paul Els se webtuiste die kerkdiens oor die SAW se honderd jaar is puik. Klik op die skakel: http://paul.who-els.co.za/2012/11/100-jarige-bestaan-van-die-weermag-in.html
17.3 Damoina: Brig Izak Boshoff Ek het vandag met genl. Frank Holloway gepraat. Ek dink die Veiligheidtak Ndumo en Jozini het in die middeljare tagtigs ‘n belangrike rol gespeel in die red van lewens tydens die Damoina vloed wat Noord-Natal vanuit die Indiese -oseaan getref het. Frank was die polisiebevelvoerder en het alles aanskou. Ene konst. Deon Herbst was die bootsman en het tussen die krale rond gevaar. Frank is gewillig om ‘n oorsig oor die polisie se rol op te stel. Indien
jy sou dink dat dit geskiedkundige vermelding regverdig kan jy Frank
Holloway te Port Shepstone skakel by 039-6881029 of 0825512310. Hy dien nog tot vroeg volgende jaar. Groete, Bossie.
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17.4 Mill for smelting stolen gold: Andre Hoffmann Hi Hennie I found this item at a second-hand shop today. It has an inscription that says: 'Mr Koos Nel Mill used for smelting of stolen gold. Donated by Special Investigations Team. June 2004â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Would this be of interest to the Police Museum? Regards, Andre.
Hi Hennie, I paid R149.00 for the item at Cash Converters in Fourways. It seemed very interesting so I bought it. Maybe you might know Mr. 'Koos Nel' for whom it was made, or one of your interest group might know of him. It is basically a Cadac gas bottle that has had some modifications, such as a door cut out, and mounted over a metal 'A-frame' support with a crank handle welded on the top of the gas bottle. Quite basic but functional I would guess. Whoever presented it has had it plated in gold chrome to make it look presentable, but I am sure in its original form it would have probably been blue as per the Cadac gas bottles of that size and shape. Maybe it was stolen, I don't know... If anyone is interested they are welcome to contact me. It is quite bulky and heavy, mounted on nice dark wood (see attached pics). I will keep looking for my Grandfathers KPM and any other memorabilia. Regards, Andre Hoffmann
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17.5 Wolves in the SADF : A Question from Mr Gerald Prinsloo, SANDF Archive 198003 Paratus : Big Red Gerald Prinsloo wants to know if we can help him: The SADF Dog School had a program to cross-breed wolves and dogs for Counter Insurgency purposes. Normal â&#x20AC;&#x153;police dogsâ&#x20AC;? could not work in the heat and sand of SWA. It was thought that a cross-breed would be tougher. More info would be welcome, please.
Cross-bred pups I seem te remember that the Police experimented with the Israeli Desert Dog for the same purpose?
17.6 Enquiry about F/Arm - Steve Corbet Hi Hennie, Many thanks for the very interesting magazine. As for the pistol, I have now passed it on to another collector in exchange for a battle-damaged 1912 dated Luger pistol. So there is no need to do any research into the Webley now! I trust I didn't put you to any trouble. 137
I'm very busy at the moment with the publisher sorting out details for my book which is due to be out next March. I have sent you a picture of the proposed cover. The person on the front is me on guard duty in Northern Ireland back in 1974. I will take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and happy new year. Best wishes, Steve Corbet
[See last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for further information â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HBH]
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18. NETWORKING & “LET’S SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER”/ NETWERK & “KOM ONS ONDERSTEUN MEKAAR” 18.1 Annemari Jansen – Koorsboom Kothuis
18.2 Jannie Otto Onthou indien u Israel wil besoek, tree in verbinding met Jannie Otto.
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18.3 Karate: Kol (adv) Len Els
KARATEKA40: www.karateka40.co.za Karateka40 - age groups, mature adult, stressful, crime, self defence, self confidence, men
www.karateka40.co.za LEN ELS, ISKK, SHIBUCHO – SOUTH AFRICA In 1998 Solly Pokroy and I started a club called KARATEKA40 which caters for the ‘mature’ karateka. We believe in the philosophy of Master Gichin Funakoshi, namely that karate is a way of life, for life. We are also realistic (mature?) enough to accept that we cannot (fully) compete against the 20-somethings anymore and prefer competing against our peers. It is amazing what the human body can do if one set your mind to it, regardless of age. And the benefits are not only physical, but mainly mental. It is not only the training, but also the philosophy involved that attracts the mature student. Let’s face it: karate is cheaper (and more effective) than Prozac... To date we have produced four shodans, including two ladies whilst Solly set the standard himself by grading Godan at 75! Members vary from early 40’s to an amazing 82 year old brown belt! We are all fighting Father Time. As one gets older, physiological changes occur. These include fibrosis, losing the protective lining in the joints as well as loss of speed, stamina, 140
and range of motion. Our muscles also lose strength, endurance, mass and agility. There is a natural increase of collagen in the muscles, making them less flexible. If this all sounds familiar, you were probably born before 1967. If not, just wait … someday you will understand. Yet, despite these physiological changes, you can improve your flexibility and thus improve your martial arts skills. Flexibility after 40 is absolutely possible. It does however demand a mind change as well as consistent, daily practice. Accept that you are no longer 20something and therefore need to adjust your training regime. Akihito Isaka Sensei, former JKA instructor and leading kumite and kata competitor from the late 60’s all the way to the early 90’s, radically changed his approach to karate in his mid 40’s. His focus is now on slow-motion training and stretching, focusing on the muscles and ligaments around the hips and back as well as the centre of gravity. According to him this is the foundation upon which technical excellence can be built. To prove his point, Isaka at 64 could still perform repeated jodan yoko geri keagis with 5kg iron clogs attached to his feet. Kanazawa Sensei also warned that after 40 one should train internally, not externally. He believes in Tai Chi-type stretching exercises. In order to improve flexibility, one should stretch daily (static and not ballistic) and ensure that you work the full range of motion in all movements. Stretch all the major muscle groups. Make sure you breathe properly whilst stretching. Increased blood pressure is a special concern for the over 40’s. Be aware of the enemies of flexibility: physical inactivity and stress. Both produces toxic wastes in the body and shortens and hardens the muscles. Fortunately, these factors can be controlled. In addition, watch your weight. What you eat or drink (or not eat or drink) will affect your flexibility. Fortunately there are a number of benefits to be reaped by those who build and maintain flexibility. You’ll be less prone to injuries and heal faster. Because of better blood flow you will experience greater ease of movement. Flexibility promotes agility. Flexibility conserves energy. Flexibility facilitates speed. Flexibility promotes good posture. In short, flexibility ensures joyful, painless training for the ‘mature’ And yes, it causes us to still be a force to be reckoned with…
Kontak besonderhede: Kontak Sensei Len @ 0829230603 of lentulus@mweb.co.za Gegroet, Sensei Len.
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18.4 Antikwitete en boeke: Leon “Div” de Villiers AANKOPER & HANDELAAR IN AFRICANA & SKAARS BOEKE, insluitend: Boekversamelings, manuskripte, kaarte, skilderye, kunswerke, ens., met betrekking tot ons literatuur, geskiedenis, historiese geboue & plekke, jag, natuur, wildslewe, spoorweë, maritieme, militêre, oorloë, mense ens. asook onderwerpe wat betrekking het op die Afrikakontinent. Kontak Leon by: Tel/Faks: 021 592 3460 Sel: 084 436 0842 e-pos: australb@mweb.co.za http://antiqbook.com/bookdealer.phtml?o=australafrica http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/seller/435994/Boekesmous
19. STOP PRESS / LAAT BERIGTE 19.1 WEL EN WEE VAN DIE MILITêRE VETERANE : BERIG 41/2012 : LYS B Aangehaal uit die SAW nuusbrief gedateer 4 Desember 2012:
“22. Kerkdiens vir Herdenking van die 100 Jarige Bestaan van die Weermag in SA * Toon Slabbert van die SAW Vereniging (SAWV) het verlede week verwittig dat die kerkdiens op 18/11/2012 ook op die Internet by http://www.who-els.co.za/p/videostreams. html beskikbaar sal wees. * Paul Els rapporteer dat ‘n opname van die diens nou op http://www.who-els.co.za en fotos van diens op http://paul.who-els.co.za/2012/11/100-jarige-bestaan-van-dieweermag-in.html beskikbaar is. 23. The Situation in the RSA. Dr Anthony Turton, the well-known speaker and author has posted the following on the Net: “We are again teetering on the brink in the RSA and things are starting to unravel. I did a briefing in Washington a few weeks ago as the Americans are acutely 142
interested in what is happening here so they flew me across. They are now starting to classify us as a fragile state, at least in government circles, if not yet in public. Clem Sunter recently released a statement showing that SA now has a 25% chance of becoming a failed state, 25% chance of a slow slide into insignificance and only a 50% chance of remaining in the ‘First League’. These are not good odds and with the recent ratings agency downgrades at national level, followed by the downgrade of Goldfields to junk status, one is left concerned. My sense is that we are approaching the point of ungovernability once again, similar to the 1980s, but this time without a credible police and military force, so the outcome is going to be stochastic and unpredictable. In the past we have united at that moment and pulled back from the brink, but this time I am less certain we will do it again. Interesting times and yes, our national DNA will again be tested I fear, but not in a way we have seen it before”.
20. INDEMITY / VRYWARING Die e-Nongqai bevat die uiteenlopende en diverse persoonlike menings van verskillende korrespondente en die opsteller van e-Nongqai kan nie vir enige deel van die inhoud daarvan in sy persoonlike hoedanigheid verantwoordelik gehou word nie. The e-Nongqai contains various and sundry personal opinions of different correspondents and the compiler of e-Nongqai cannot be held responsible for any of their comments. Enige advertensies of enige sake voortspruitend is tussen u en die ander party.
21. NEXT EDITION / VOLGENDE UITGAWE Some time, Deo Volenti, during June 2012.
22. CONCLUSION / SLOT Ons is besig met omvattende navorsing oor die SA Polisie en lede met die oog op bewaring vir die nageslag! Dankie aan almal wat gehelp het om hierdie uitgawe ’n sukses te maak!
Vuller Kontak besonderhede: “Hennie Heymans” <heymanshb@ gmail.com> Greetings - Groete Salute! Saluut! Hennie Heymans © 2012
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