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NONGQAI : VOL 11 NO 5A Lt.Col. FA Pautz Contents ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 VOORWOORD | PREFACE ............................................................................................................ 3 •
Brig. HB Heymans .............................................................................................................. 3
ADMINISTRATION | ADMINISTRASIE............................................................................................ 5 Publisher | Uitgewer .................................................................................................................. 5 Contact Details | Kontakbesonderhede..................................................................................... 5 Aim | Doel ................................................................................................................................. 5 Policy | Beleid ........................................................................................................................... 5 Sponsor | Borg .......................................................................................................................... 5 Advertensies | Adverts .............................................................................................................. 5 COL LOGAN GOVENDER: "SPECIAL NONGQAI" ......................................................................... 6 No 47236 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrich Albert Pautz: A meticulous, dedicated and outstanding police officer! ............................................................................................................................. 6 •
Ambush............................................................................................................................. 52
Insert by his former son-in-law Warrant Officer Jerome de Villiers ................................................ 78 INDEMNITY & © | VRYWARING & © ............................................................................................ 80 End | Slot ................................................................................................................................ 80
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VOORWOORD | PREFACE • Brig. HB Heymans Welcome to this special edition, with the spotlight on a very special police officer, Lt.Col. FA Pautz, whom I knew in the 1960’s as Sgt Pautz of the illustrious Durban SAP Dog Squad. I am the son of a Durban policeman and I was fortunate to know policemen and my role models, like Manie Odendaal en Ben Mouton, even when I was at school. Ever since I can remember I have been interested in police history. On the one side my mother taught me the Bible and on the other side my father told me police-anecdotes. As a child I used to sit on his lap and we paged through The Nongqai. I just loved HJ Jackson’s comic sketches in The Nongqai. Later I decided to become a policeman as I just loved, especially, how the police apprehended housebreakers and robbers! I remember the first time the police dogs were used to “police” the ducktails in Durban who caused a problem at a full cinema they wanted to gate crash.
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Stationed at Wentworth and Kings Rest we were privy to conversations of the Flying Squad and the Dog Squad “over the air” when they were involved in chases. It all sounded very exciting. Sgt Peter van Rooyen was the “doyen” of the police dogs in Durban. Later our first commissioned officer in Durban in charge of the Dog Squad was lt. Hennie Meyer. However, if I had a hero as a young policeman, it would be Const Manie Odendaal or Sgt Fred Pautz. They often crossed my path while I was on duty as station policeman and van driver. I requested a police dog on a number of times and most of the time Manie Odendaal responded and we, or rather the police dog, was successful in apprehending the criminals. In later years I often wondered why I never went to the Dog Squad; but I think I had other youthful ambitions. Looking back on the career of Lt-Col Fred Pautz one can see that he and other dog squad members were worth more than their salt. They came with innovative ways to combat various crimes. They made many arrests for serious crimes and they were the subject of many illustrious newspaper reports. The Flying Squad and the Dog Squad did us proud in Durban. These guys were streetwise – they could literally read the streets! We are all thankful to Col Logan Govender who has made this special tribute to our late colleague, Lt-Col Fred Pautz. This report by Col Govender is covering new ground and we get insight into the life of a first-class patrol dog handler. This is all part and parcel of our police cultural heritage. He covers the period from the 1960’s to the 1990’s. What is very clear is that the Dog Squad focussed on universal crime – they did not enforce apartheid, rather, they safeguarded our children from drug dealers as they apprehended many vehicles full dagga and other drugs especially late at night. They had an instinctive feeling when and where to be on the lookout for these culprits. The police dogs and their handlers also played a great role in combatting terror in the cities and on the borders. The Dog Squad also apprehended people conveying explosive devices in the vehicles. We salute the men of the Dog Squad!
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ADMINISTRATION | ADMINISTRASIE
Publisher | Uitgewer The Nongqai is compiled by Hennie Heymans (HBH) a retired Brigadier of the late South African Police Force and this e-magazine is published on ISSUU. Hennie lives in Pretoria, ZA. He is passionate about our police-, military- and national security history and holds a MA-degree in National Strategic Studies. Any opinions expressed by him, are entirely his own. Die Nongqai word saamgestel deur Hennie Heymans (HBH), 'n afgetrede brigadier van die voormalige Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiemag en hierdie e-tydskrif word op ISSUU gepubliseer. Hennie woon in Pretoria, ZA. Hy is passievol oor ons polisie-, militêre- en nasionale veiligheidsgeskiedenis en het 'n MA-graad in Nasionale Strategiese Studies verwerf. Enige menings wat hy uitspreek, is uitsluitlik sy eie.
Contact Details | Kontakbesonderhede
Aim | Doel Our goal is to collect and record our national security history for publication in the Nongqai for future generations. Ons doel is om die nasionale veiligheidsgeskiedenis in die Nongqai aan te teken en so vir die nageslagte bewaar.
Policy | Beleid We publish the articles and stories as we receive them from our Onthou, skryf u storie, soms kan ons net op u correspondents; we only correct the geskrewe weergawe terugval want dit is al wat spelling mistakes. It's important to daar is. publish the stories in the form and Deel u SAP- en SAW-foto’s met ons! context as we receive them from our correspondents. Policemen and defence personnel have their own language and the have their own sub-culture. We are not a scientific or literary journal. We only work with historical building blocks. Ons gebruik die artikels en stories soos ons dit van ons korrespondente ontvang; ons maak slegs die spelfoute reg. Dis belangrik om die stories te bewaar in die vorm en in die konteks soos ons dit ontvang. Lede van die veiligheidsmagte het hul eie taal en ons moet dit ook so aanteken. Ons is nie ‘n letterkundige of wetenskaplike joernaal nie. Ons werk slegs met die boustene van geskiedenis.
Sponsor | Borg Nil. We had more than 42,000 “readers” of the various magazines last year. We have no sponsor. Geen. Ons het sowat 42,000 “lesers” verlede jaar wat oor die aardbol versprei is, maar geen borge nie.
Advertensies | Adverts Alle advertensies wat in belang van ons lesers is, word gratis geplaas. All adverts which are in the interest of our readers, are placed free of charge. 5
COL LOGAN GOVENDER: "SPECIAL NONGQAI" No 47236 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrich Albert Pautz: A meticulous, dedicated and outstanding police officer!
Photograph 1 Photograph of Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrich Albert Pautz attired in mess dress at his farewell function. 6
Insert by Logan Govender – “I was approached by our dear Editor, Brigadier Hennie Heymans to compile a feature on the life of his dear friend and former colleague Pautz. I have not embarked on a more challenging project than of this magnitude with the exception of Brigadier Stan Gillham and found this be one of my most challenging tasks to portray the life of an Officer who had done the SAP and his country proud. I am acquainted with Pautz whilst a Non-Commissioned Officer based at Mountain Rise in the 80’s, he was the Commanding Officer of the Mountain Rise Patrol Dog Unit. We had no interaction with each other. Having compiled this feature of Pautz I gained the following from the information and photographs I noted with respect that he documented his life meticulously. He seemed to be involved in all the police offered or expected of their Officers. I am certainly impressed with his illustrious police career but not just that, but his role as a husband and father to his two daughters and I only hope that I am able to portray him as such. Finally, he seemed to have served his community and the police within and without the country with distinction and pride. Thank you, Colonel it always impresses me when I encounter an officer who walked the dusty road in inclement weather conditions. Thank you, Brigadier. Sir for the opportunity and the privilege. I urge everyone to enjoy reading this at their leisure. Thank you” - Logan Govender. Insert from Brigadier Stan Gillham “I only recall the Flying Squad working out of Ridge Road in Durban. That's where I worked from where we had the Police Radio Station, Radio workshops, dogs and cars there, up on the ridge. When the first patrol dogs arrived in Durban, some were kennelled at the homes of their handlers, those who had houses, the other dogs were kennelled at the Overport Police Station. I think that there were barracks at the Overport Police Station and the unmarried handlers stayed there. The Dogs were later moved to new kennels together with the single handlers to Cato Manor. That is where we then mobilized from and that became the Durban Dog Unit, Cato Manor. The Flying Squad members remained at Ridge Road known as the Flying Squad with fewer vehicles and worked independently from the Dog Squad.” The Durban Dog Squad was established at Radio Control, Durban in December 19621. The Dog Squad served under the command of Sergeant Peter van Rooyen.” Insert by Brigadier Hennie Heymans “I remember the Dog Unit started in December 1962 - in Durban. During the midnight Show December 1962 / January 1963 - the “ducktails”, (a hairstyle in which the hair on each side is slicked back to meet in a ridge at the back of the head.) caused much trouble, trying to gate crash – the police dogs came and restored order. I remember at first everything was at Radio Control, Ridge Rd - the Flying Squad, Radio Technical, and the Dog Squad which was then integral part of the Flying Squad. The first Dog Squad officer was Lt. Hennie Meyer (he retired as Brigadier in Soweto). I am attaching a photo of the first Dog Squad members of Durban.” During 1963 the Durban Dog Squad moved to Cato Manor (Cato Manor is a working-class area located seven kilometres from the city centre of Durban), (on the same premises as where the Durban SPCA was originally situated) until the early 1980's. The premises were situated on an elevated area overlooking Cato Manor. The white walled general dealer / tea room with the "Joko Tea" logo painted on was a landmark on the roadway leading up to the steep driveway that took one into the Dog Squad premises.
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The Durban Flying Squad was established a decade earlier – HBH.
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Photograph 2 Photograph of FA Pautz as a young Constable.2,3 2
If I look at the khaki uniform and lapel badges (with crown) this photo was taken circa 1957. With Force Number 47236 he must be a “re-enlist” – HBH. 3 Elsewhere we read that he enlisted on the 4th January 1957. After doing research we find his 1st force number was No 33723 – HBH.
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Photograph 3 Photograph of the medals awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Fred Pautz. These medals were awarded to him during the 35 years of faithful, loyal, dedicated, devoted and meritorious service to the South African communities and the Police.
Photograph 4 Photograph of Pautz in civilian dress. 9
Photograph 5 Photograph of Pautz with a .303-rifle. During 1960 Fredrich Albert Pautz met Margaret Coetzee in Koppies. It is a small town situated near the Renoster River in the Free State province of South Africa. He was determined to attract her attention. In an attempt to woo and gain her affection and admiration, he travelled to from Durban to Koppies on his rest days, (a distance of about 560km), borrowed an ostrich from a local farmer, climbed onto its back and rode along a dusty Church Street (Kerkstraat), a few times, a day, whilst she was on duty at the local telephone exchange, in order to attract her attention. Apparently, he and the ostrich became a familiar sight and an amazement to the locals on the streets. It is reported that he had an excellent sense of humour. 10
Pautz was born in Potgietersrus on 15 April 1939. Potgietersrus was in 2003 officially renamed to Mokopane. It is a small town in the Limpopo Province. His family relocated to Harrismith. It is a large town in the Free State province of South Africa. It was named after Sir Harry Smith, a 19th century British governor and high commissioner of the Cape Colony. He was 2 years old when they relocated. Tragedy struck the family, his Dad, Herman Pautz lost his life in a bus accident in 1941 at Harrismith. In 1949 Pautz and his mother, Elizabeth moved to Koppies in the Free State, where she later remarried one Jacobus Du Plessis. The young Pautz spent most of his school years in a boarding school called “Sarel Cilliers� at Koppies.
Photograph 6 In 1946 the young Fred Pautz visiting Standerton, with his dog. Standerton is a large commercial and agricultural town lying on the banks of the Vaal River in Mpumalanga Province. 11
Photograph 7 In 1950 the lad in his school attire. Friedrich Albert Pautz joined the SAP on the 4th January 1957 in Koppies. Force no 47236-1,4 was allotted to him. Pautz attended SA Police College, Pretoria in 1957. He was placed in “Foot Troop 20”, 1 July1957. 4
On attestation during 1957 his Force No was 33723; No 47236 was his 2nd Force No when he re-enlisted – HBH.
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Photograph 8 College Troop photograph of “Foot Troop 20”, SAP College, Pretoria, 1957. Front row from left to right - Constables AH Oosthuizen; JHE Stadler (Troop leader); Sergeant J Barnard; Lieutenant LG Snyman, M.B.E. (Adjutant); Captain AL du Pisani (Commandant); College Head Constable NM “Bokkie” Breedt; Troop Sergeant J Dempers; Sergeant JR Kruger (Language Section); Constable FA van der Westhuizen. Second row, from left to right – Constables HL Pretorius; JP Gouws; DJ Gericke; MJ de Kock; AGP du Plessis; WS Visser; JG Hamman; GJ Viljoen; FA Pautz; AJ Keyser; AS Dreyer. Third row, from left to right – Constables MJ Botha; DG Prinsloo; FJ Klopper; AD Hudson; HL Bronkhorst; BC van Rensburg; JJ van der Merwe; JJ Simpson; Landman; AP Duvenhage.
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After passing out in 1957 he was posted to Umbilo, Durban (Central suburb of Durban, KwaZulu Natal.) until 1959. In the 50’s and 60’s foot patrols were the order of the day, unless you were a vehicle crew or driver. (I performed foot patrol duties in full winter uniform in the 80’s. I conclude it was part of being a policeman – L Govender.). He was enthusiastic about motor vehicles and hoped to one day become a driver himself at the Durban Flying Squad.
Photograph 9 Pautz as a young Constable at SAP Umbilo. 14
Photograph 10 Photograph of the original whistle issued to Constable Pautz. One of the requirements of being a driver of State motor vehicles, in those days, was that the applicant had to be in possession of a valid driver's licence and was compelled to attend a Mechanical Course. On 11 August 1958 he obtained his driver's licence and was nominated to attend a Mechanical School Course. He was in “Class No 2 Nov-Dec 1958 Benoni�. 15
Photograph 11 Copy of his driver’s license dated 11th August 1958.
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Photograph 12 Group photograph of SA Police Mechanical School Course - Class No 2 Nov-Dec 1958 Benoni. Front row - third from left – Sergeant Jan Homann (Instructor); front row seated - second from right Constable FA Pautz.
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Photograph 13 Constables FA Pautz and Manie Odendaal in 1958 at Durban Flying Squad, squatting outside the patrol vehicle. Comments by HBH The Durban Flying Squad and the Cape Town Flying Squad was introduced as the Johannesburg Flying Squad was the first, and proved to be very successful. The Durban Flying Squad was established during circa 1952 with Lieut. FLC Engels (later chief Deputy Commissioner of Police) as the first commander. During 1970 I was transferred to the Durban Security Branch and the then Sgt James Swanepoel, a colleague, told me he was one of the founder members of the Durban Flying Squad. He was on duty the very first morning the doors of the Flying Squad opened. I telephoned the Flying Squad so many times from the Charge Office at Wentworth and King’s Rest that I even remember the old telephone number “44562” – that was before the new general emergency number “10111”. 18
Photograph 14 Photograph of Constable Pautz in 1959 at SAP Umbilo, Durban (armed with a Sten Gun).
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Photograph 15 Photograph of a SA Police, military funeral cortège in Durban in 1961 – Constable Pautz right front row. After his promotion to Sergeant in 1961 he was transferred to KwaMashu, Durban. Pautz and his fiancée finally became engaged in April 1961. He hastened to marry her on the 13th of October in 1962 at Koppies. The happily married couple travelled by train from Koppies to Amanzimtoti (Amanzimtoti is a coastal town just south of Durban.) for their honeymoon. They eventually settled in Umbilo, Durban.
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Photograph 16 Wedding photograph, 13 October 1962 of Sergeant Fred Pautz and Margaret Coetzee. 21
Photograph 17 Photograph of the family at the wedding, from left to right - Mr Jacobus and Mrs Elizabeth Du Plessis (stepfather and mother of Pautz); Sergeant Fred Pautz and Mrs Margaret Pautz; Mr Gert and Mrs Helen Coetzee (Mrs Pautz’s parents); (flower girl unknown).
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Photograph 18 Pautz and his wife Margaret depart on their honeymoon. However, in 1962 he was transferred back to Umbilo. Pautz was an animal lover and a supporter of animal welfare organisations throughout his life. His family including himself owned numerous dogs over the years.
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Photograph 19 A refresher course for dog handlers and their dogs held in Durban in 1963. Photograph courtesy of Brigadier Hennie Heymans.
Photograph 20 Photograph of Sergeant FA Pautz in a patrol vehicle 1964, Durban. 24
Photograph 21 Photograph of Constable Manie Odendaal and his patrol dog “Prince” at a Medal Parade at King’s Park, Durban on 22/9/1965. “Prince” was awarded a Special Medal for loyal and superior service. Photograph courtesy of Brigadier Hennie Heymans.5 In 1966 Pautz’s long-time dream of being a dog handler was realised. At that point his illustrious police career in the SAP Dog Unit commenced. He was nominated to attend the SAP Dog School in Pretoria. After he successfully passed out of the Dog School, he was posted to Radio Control, Durban. He was handed police dog “Caro”.
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I am on parade and I am to the right of the officer - HBH
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Photograph 22 Photograph of his patrol dog "Caro" at Dog School, Pretoria 1966. This was a proud moment in Sergeant Pautz's life, when he was inducted into the Durban Dog Squad and he wore the dog unit badge ("hondekop") with honour and pride throughout his career. Sergeant Pautz and "Caro” joined the ranks of some legendary police dog handlers and their fearless patrol dogs in Durban. Comment by Col Logan Govender Photograph of these legends and their patrol dogs (to name but a few and in no particular order) Peter van Rooyen; Laurie Kaplan; Manie Odendaal; Flip Sonnekus; Piet Geldenhuys; Brian Boucher; Tjaart Riekert6; Hennie Grobler; Piet "Possie" Posthumus; Johnny Aising; Stan Gillham (Brigadier-Commanding Officer of the Dog School in Pretoria); Hennie Otto; Alvin Pelser; Tobie Wiese; Bez Bezuidenhoudt; Ricky Stevenson; Snarley Nel; Dawie Lochner and William Davis. Whilst stationed at SAP Wentworth, Const JF ‘Tjaart’ Riekert was my Section Sergeant. He died on the border with his dog, Leeu A989, when his vehicle set off a landmine on 30-03-1972. Sgt RL Welman was also my Section Sergeant at SAP Wentworth he died on duty as a Lt-Col in Chamberlain Rd on 30-01-1986 when he tried to disarm a limpet mine. Sad memories. We will remember them! - HBH 6
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In 1968 as a Lieutenant, Hennie Meyer, (affectionately known and referred to as "Silwersnor Meyer"), became the Commanding Officer of the Durban Dog Squad (Brigadier-Soweto District). (Brigadier Heymans will probably verify the list of names).
Photograph 23 Photograph of badge only worn by Dog Handlers belonging to Pautz. Comments by HBH The Dog Handlers proficiency badge was worn on the right arm. Constables wore the proficiency badge on the right arm, Sergeants wore the badge between the chevrons and the castle, WO’s above their badge of rank. In the 1960’s commissioned officers did not wear proficiency badges. 27
Photograph 24 Photograph of his eldest daughter, Helen, Sergeant Pautz and his patrol dog “Caro�, taken at Cato Manor Dog Unit in 1968. (Photograph courtesy of Mercury).
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Photograph 25 Photograph of vehicle inspection in 1966, Dog Squad, Cato Manor, left Sergeant Pautz and “Caro” with others.
Although he never excelled in athletics or rugby, he was a lover of sports. As a young policeman he participated in athletics (short distance running) and also played rugby for Durban police in the 70's on a social level. He was an ardent supporter of SA Police "Bobby" rugby and the "Sharks" and "Springbok" rugby teams. Besides attending the normal police shooting practices in his official capacity, he also affiliated to a private shooting club and was an excellent marksman. “Caro” was severely beaten shot, wounded and stabbed on numerous occasions in the line of duty. The SA Police Medal for Bravery was awarded in 1970 during an official ceremony in Durban, for saving the life of Sergeant Pautz and others on numerous occasions whilst pursuing and/or apprehending armed criminals during the execution of his duties.
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Photograph 26 Photograph of the 1970 medal parade at Kings Park, Durban - "Rex" shakes hand with Colonel Jan Benade, Divisional Commissioner, Port Natal Division for his medal and his handler, Constable Sonnekus at his side and Sergeant Fred Pautz on the left with "Caro". 30
Photograph 27 Photograph of medal for Bravery handed to “Caro”. 31
The Dog Unit relocated to Durban Central, the former CR Swart Square in Stanger Street, Durban. "Caro" and Sergeant Pautz were praised on numerous occasions by the crime reporter of the time for excellent work rendered by Pautz and his patrol dog “Caro�. Mr Leon Mellett (joined the police and later became a General in the SA Police), in the "The Natal Mercury" and "The Daily News". "Caro", together with other Durban Dog Squad members and their dogs, also featured in the 1970 "Durban Easter Fair for Armed Forces" souvenir programme magazine as well as the 1971 "Salute the Forces" magazine / souvenir programme.
Photograph 28 Photograph of the souvenir programme of Durban Easter Fair.
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Photograph 29 Group photograph of dog handlers and the five dogs that featured in 1970 Combined Forces magazine.7 7
Sgt Manie Odendaal in a “boiler suit” with rank insignia – working with dogs ruined the blue police uniform – HBH.
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Photograph 30 Photograph of the souvenir programme of "Salute the Forces" held at Kings Park Stadium. 11th October 1971.
Photograph 31 Photograph with the newspaper caption in 1970 “A suspect on the run!” Sergeant Fred Pautz radios for assistance seconds before Caro is let loose in pursuit of his man. (Photo: by courtesy of Natal Mercury). On Monday, 30th March 1970 at the Durban Easter Fair in aid of the combined armed forces, held at Hoy Park and Allan Ford Stadium, Durban, the “Eric Gordon” Floating trophy was awarded to "Caro" as well as patrol dog, "Rex". The trophy was awarded on two previous occasions to Sergeant Manie Odendaal and his patrol dog, "Prince". The Eric Gordon Floating Trophy was awarded annually to the police dog and handler with the best overall performance during the year.
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Photograph 32 Photograph of the miniature of the “Eric Gordon Floating Trophy” awarded to Sergeant Pautz and "Caro" in 1970. In the early 1970's a series of fictional photo story books published by LP or Legion Publications in Durban. Leon Mellet, later General, was the police crime reporter at two local Durban based newspapers - "The Daily News" and "The Natal Mercury". In his spare time Mellet became a fictional “hero” by the name of "Skrikruiter" who starred in his own series of photo story books. There was also a photo story book named "Takoeza". Sergeant Fred Pautz, made a few appearances in the "Takoeza" books on some of his rest days as the character “Herman”. Depending on the line content and time spent on a photo shoot one could earn R15 to R25 a day. That was considerable amount of money in the 70’s.
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Photograph 33 Photograph of the original back page of "Takoeza" photo story book - front cover missing after all these years. 36
Photograph 34 Photographs of Pautz, starring as the character "Herman" taken from a 1970 "Takoeza" photo story book.
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Photograph 35 Another photograph of Pautz, starring as the character “Herman” taken from a 1970 “Takoeza” photo story book. Killed in Action on Duty "Caro”, was his patrol dog till around 1971. “Caro” lived up to the temperament of a German Shepherd. He was loyal, obedient, courageous and intelligent. Patrol dog “Caro” was sadly killed in action. The circumstances surrounding his death is not clear. He was however replaced with “Rommel”.
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Photograph 36 Photograph of “Rommel�. In 1970 whilst at the Durban Dog Unit Sgt Pautz was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer.
Photograph 37 Photograph of the original SA Police cane used by Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers issued to Warrant Officer Pautz. 39
Photograph 38 Photograph of his original Blood Group and personal Identification Tag -W47236W FA Pautz. He volunteered for numerous border stints. His family took note that he was noticeably withdrawn for a few days after every stint. He would neither speak nor mention anything about this to his family. However, there are numerous photographs of the trips that were taken whilst on border duty. The photographs taken at his border trips were stored in a locked trunk and were discovered only after his demise in 2010. The photographs that will follow were never seen by his family until 2010. Pautz is reported to have served at the Caprivi Strip in July of 1972. Caprivi, or the Caprivi Strip, is a salient of Namibia which is and has been known by various names. The salient protrudes eastward for about 450 km from the north-eastern corner of Namibia. It is bordered by Botswana to the south, and by Angola and Zambia to the north.
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Photograph 39 Photograph of Pautz’s handwriting on back of photo en route Caprivi July 1972 with patrol dog "Rommel".
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Photograph 40 Photograph of Rommel" and Warrant Officer Pautz (in casual wear) at Dog School Pretoria July 1972, before their departure to the Caprivi Strip. 42
Photograph 41 Photograph of patrol dog "Rommel" seated on a Land Rover in 1972 at The Caprivi Stip.
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Photograph 42 Another photograph of "Rommel" taken at SA Police Dog School, Pretoria 1972.
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Photograph 43 Photograph of SA Police members boarding a SA Air Force aircraft in July 1972 in Pretoria en route to the Caprivi Strip.
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Photograph 44 Photograph of SA Police members on vehicle patrol in Caprivi Strip, 1972.
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Photograph 45 Photograph of "dixie" used by Warrant Officer Fred Pautz during border duties and dagga and firearm raid.
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Photograph 46 Photograph of "Rommel" and Land Rover, SAP23562 at The Caprivi in 1972.
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Photograph 47 Photograph of "Rommel" and a convoy of Land Rovers at the Caprivi in 1972.
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Photograph 48 Photograph of Warrant Officer Pautz and an assistant guarding Caprivi base camp in 1972.
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Photograph 49 Photograph of Warrant Officer Pautz guarding the base perimeter behind sand bags at Caprivi in 1972. He is reported that he volunteered for numerous trips to the border, viz Ovamboland, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), South West Africa (Namibia) too. He did numerous stints in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). Warrant Officer Pautz and his patrol dog “Rommel� were posted to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).
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Photograph 50 Photograph of Warrant Pautz and his patrol dog “Rommel” in 1973 at the SAP Dog School about to leave for Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).
• Ambush Whilst in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1973 on a normal foot patrol with his patrol dog “Rommel” and other members were ambushed. Heavy gun fire from both parties ensued. Warrant Officer Pautz with “Rommel” and other members stormed the insurgents in an effort to neutralize the situation. During the counter-attack, "Rommel" leapt and brought down an insurgent who was seemingly in the process of throwing a hand grenade in their direction. After the contact, the former President of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Mr Clifford du Pont, visited the base at Mount Darwin to congratulate the company, Warrant Officer Pautz and members in person. The operation was named “Hurricane”. He bought back with him a mug which commemorated the occasion.
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Photograph 51 Photograph of the 1973 “Operation Hurricane�, Mount Darwin commemorative mug. Also located in his private collection was a P-51 can opener. This he used in preference to the other more modern ones available at his home.
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Photograph 52 Photograph of his personal P-51 ration pack can opener. 54
Photograph 53 Warrant Officer Pautz dressed in Rhodesian camouflage in 1973 with his patrol dog “Rommel�.
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Photograph 54 Photograph of SA Police Alouette helicopter visiting the base in 1972.
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Photograph 55 Warrant Officer Pautz and Const Flip Sonnekus inspecting a vehicle engine in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 1973.
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Photograph 56 Photograph of members from the base at Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), base 1973 front row Warrant Officer Fred Pautz and Flip Sonnekus and their dogs. Members at the rear row, their identity is unknown.
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Photograph 57 "Rommel" guarding the camp Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), 1973. (Duplicate) Photograph 58 Photograph of "Rommel" on a Land Rover in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 1973.
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Photograph 59 Warrant Officer Pautz and a tame Leopard outside the camp.
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Photograph 60 Photograph of a Ford truck parked in front of a baobab tree at the base camp in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), in 1973.
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Photograph 61 Photograph of Warrant Officer Pautz exiting "Brak-tak" - Dog Squad quarters at base camp, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), in 1973.
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Photograph 62 Photograph of Warrant Officer Pautz and an unknown member aside a culled buffalo in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) in 1973. An unwritten rule at his home after each stint was, that no bully beef, Vienna’s or mixed canned vegetables should be served with his meals. This was probably because of the meagre ration packs they were forced to live on at the border. He was awarded a medal for Combatting of Terrorism for his efforts at the border. In 1975 he was appointed as the Commander of the Port Shepstone Dog Unit. Duplicate Photograph 63 Photograph of Warrant Officer Pautz and "Rommel" at dog practice taken at Dog Unit Port Shepstone 1975. 63
Photograph 64 Photograph of "Klaus". In 1976 after the death of “Rommel” (date and circumstances unknown) he was issued with another patrol dog “Major”. 64
It is reported that Pautz underwent another course, this related to narcotics. (Further details not known) Pautz, “Major” and “Klaus” were a dedicated relentless trio in the fight against crime at Port Shepstone. A large quantity of dagga and unlicensed firearms were seized during their routine regular raids. His dog “Rommel” was sadly killed in action and was replaced by “Major”.
Photograph 65 Photograph of his replacement patrol dog “Major”. Duplicate photo Photograph 66 Warrant Officer Pautz and patrol dog "Major" taken in Port Shepstone during 1978. "Klaus" was feared amongst the drug syndicates, dagga dealers and users alike. Duplicate photo Photograph 67 Photograph of "Klaus" with another big dagga haul (featured in an article in "The South Coast Herald", Port Shepstone in 1979). "Klaus" was awarded the Goldfields-Dogmor Order of Merit in 1980 in recognition of his sterling work. 65
Photograph 68 Photograph of the Goldfields-Dogmor Order of Merit medal awarded to "Klaus". 66
His fellow members and those members that served under his command will vouch on how meticulous he was with State Vehicles. He did not tolerate a dirty or mechanically unsound vehicle. In the early 1980’s he invented the idea of fitting / pop-riveting a black rubber strip to the side of the patrol vans where the dogs could leap into and alight from the vehicle. This was done to prevent the dogs from slipping in rainy weather and or getting injured and also to prevent the vehicle's paint and body work from damage and scratches. He received a written commendation from Head Office in this regard. However, the trunk in which it was stored with or memorabilia was stolen during a break in at his home. He enjoyed listening to a wide range of music. Despite having never received formal tuition he was able to play the guitar, harmonica and concertina unaided. When off duty he was a family man. As much as he was an educator, he was a prankster and entertainer at home. He was a caring and loving husband and father. Enjoyed gardening in his pastime. He attended a Candidate Officer’s Course in August 1981.
Photograph 69 Group photograph of members who attended the Candidate Officer’s Course Front row, from leftthird Major WT Venter (Course Leader); Lieutenant-Cololonel HC Lerm (Divisional Head Academic) and Major G Nel (Lecturer). Rear row standing, fourth from right-FA Pautz. 67
Photograph 70 Photograph of Lieutenant Pautz on completion of Candidate Officer’s Course, Pretoria 1981. In 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Captain.8
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Note ‘Patrol Dog Handlers qualification badge’ on right chest - HBH
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Photograph 71 Photograph of Captain Pautz taken at his promotion function held in Pietermaritzburg in 1985. In 1989 he was promoted to the rank of Major. In 1990 he successfully completed Junior Management Development Course for Majors (Course 3/90) in Pretoria. 69
Photograph 72 Group photograph of Course 3/90 held at Maleoskop Training Centre from 10 June 1990 to 22 June 1990. In 1991 he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. He took his family on annual holidays where he could also fish. His favourite sea fishing spots included Port Edward, Port St Johns and the former Transkeian / Eastern Cape coastline, Port Shepstone, the far North Coast as far as Mozambique and Henties Bay and Namibian areas. Also did freshwater angling at almost all the dams in KwaZulu and was a member of the SA Police Freshwater Angling Association.
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Photograph 73 Photograph of 1992 SAP Regional colours angling certificate.
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Photograph 74 Photograph of a 2004 fishing trip at Port Edward depicting Pautz with his “miracle catch� of the day. Pautz retired on 31st December 1992 with 35 years of dedicated, devoted and meritorious service to the South African Police and its various communities. His retirement function was well attended to by numerous senior police officers and prominent community leader of that time.
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Photograph 75 Lieutenant-Colonel Pautz at his retirement function with Brigadier CG Wolhuter.
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Photograph 76 Photograph of a stand-up clock, crafted with disused railway sleepers one of the many presentations handed to him by Brigadier Wolhuter on his retirement. 74
Photograph 77 Photograph of a hand-crafted bronze montage with the head of a German Shepherd, collar, leash, etc kindly donated by Lieutenant-Colonel Johnny Dykes, presented to their mentor, LieutenantColonel Fredrich Albert Pautz for his leadership as the Commander of the Dog Unit, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg. Lieutenant-Colonel Pautz and his dear wife Margaret had two daughters Helen and Theresa. Both joined the South African Police. Pautz has one grandson, Clive. Lieutenant-Colonel Pautz sadly passed away on the 28th of February 2010 followed by the passing on of Mrs Pautz in 2017. SUMMARY OF MEDALS & CERTIFICATES AWARDED TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL PAUTZ 75
1975-Warrant Officer Pautz awarded SA Police Medal and Certificate for Faithful Service (received 1977); 1976-Warrant Officer Pautz awarded SA Police Medal and Certificate for Combating Terrorism; 1979-Warrant Officer Pautz awarded SA Police Star and certificate for Faithful Service (received 1980); 1981-(August) Promoted to Lieutenant; Attended Candidate Officers Course in Pretoria from 24 August 1981 to 11 September 1981; April 1982-Transferred to Dog Unit, Pietermaritzburg as the Commanding Officer-until date of retirement on 31 December 1992; 1985-Promoted to Captain; 1986-Successfully completed a Counter Insurgency Course (COIN) held at SA Police Maleoskop, Pretoria from 20 January 1986 to 28 February 1986; 1987-Awarded the SA Police Star of Merit Certificate and Medal (received 1990); 1988-75-year Police Anniversary Medal; 1989-Promoted to Major; 1990-Successfully completed Junior Management Development Course for Majors (Course 3/90) in Pretoria; 1990-Successfully completed a Management and Development Course in Unrest and Riot Control M11/90 held at Maleoskop Training Centre from 10 June 1990 to 22 June 1990;
Photograph 78 Photograph of Certificate of Appreciation on Retirement awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel FA Pautz, signed by Minister of Law & Order, the Honourable, HJ Kriel and countersigned by the Commissioner of The South African Police, General JV Van der Merwe, dated 31/12/1992. 76
Photograph 79 Photograph of Certificate of Service awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Fred Pautz signed, by the Commissioner of The South African Police, General JV Van de Merwe, dated 31/12/1992. 77
Insert by his former son-in-law Warrant Officer Jerome de Villiers
Photograph 80 78
Warrant Officer Jerome de Villiers “In 1976 after completing my basic training I was posted to Port Shepstone Police Station, where I met Warrant Officer FA Pautz. He was the Commanding Officer of the dog Unit. In 1979 he recruited me into the Dog Unit and I did my dog handlers course in 1980. After completing the Dog Handler's Course, I returned to Port Shepstone and worked closely with Warrant Officer Pautz. Warrant Officer Pautz was the neatest policeman in uniform and I soon found out he was a perfectionist. He did not tolerate the abuse or destruction of Government property and when it came to State motor vehicles, he taught me a lot about looking after them. He was very strict about weekly vehicle inspections. Warrant Officer Pautz was the only drug dog handler in the South Coast area and seeing him work with his dog “Klaus", inspired me to become a drug dog handler. Soon after he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and he was transferred to the Pietermaritzburg Dog Unit as the Commanding Officer. At that stage I was I was romantically involved with his eldest daughter and I applied for a transfer to Pietermaritzburg Dog Unit. Lieutenant Pautz was not only my Commanding Officer but also my father-in-law. I worked with him until his retirement. I salute you Colonel! Totsiens en mooi bly! RIV! Additional information obtained from Warrant Officer Jerome de Villiers. The Station Commander at Port Shepstone in 1976 was Captain Irwin Kitching. He was later transferred to the District Commandant’s office, thereafter to the Divisional Headquarters, Port Natal and became a Major General. Colonel Van der Bergh was the District Commandant; Colonel Gert Bruwer later succeeded him. At Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg the Station Commander was Captain Bob Sewpersad (dealt with in an earlier edition of Nongqai. He was the first Indian Commissioned Officer/Station Commander Natal Midlands. The Commander’s original office of the Dog Unit at Mountain Rise was converted from horse stables that still existed in those days. The duty room was a corner office on the ground floor at the old station and approximately between 20-25 dog corrugated iron kennels were erected alongside the private property boundary. He recalls that the following dog handlers in that time – Warrant Officers JG Fourie and “Wolf” I think his name was Wolfaard Fourie; Sergeants Jack Haskins, brothers MC & Riaan Barnard, Jerome de Villiers and Dougie du Plessis. Amongst the Senior Officers attended was the Commanding Officer of the Dog Units in Kwa-Zulu Natal was Lieutenant-Colonel Dickie Pieterse. I was unfortunately unable to obtain information about him whilst he was a commissioned officer. Logan Govender 79
INDEMNITY & © | VRYWARING & ©
End | Slot Dear reader Please note that in this quasi-historical magazine we make use of various sources and consequently it is obvious that the document contains various diverse and personal opinions of different people and the author of the Nongqai cannot be held responsible or be liable in his personal capacity. Geagte leser Vir hierdie kwasiehistoriese tydskrif maak ons van verskeie bronne gebruik en bevat die dokument uiteraard uiteenlopende en diverse persoonlike menings van verskillende persone en die opsteller van die Nongqai kan nie in sy persoonlike hoedanigheid daarvoor verantwoordelik of aanspreeklik gehou word nie.
Brig. Hennie Heymans: No 43630K (B) © HB Heymans 2020.
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