Nongqai Vol 13 No 1 by Hennie Heymans, Nongqai Publications

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PUBLISHER | UITGEWER

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Contents PUBLISHER | UITGEWER .............................................................................................................. 2 ELEKTRONIESE BEDIENING | E-SERVICE................................................................................... 8 Pastoor Koot Swanepoel .............................................................................................................. 8 2022: VOORWOORD | FOREWORD .............................................................................................. 9 Col William Endley ....................................................................................................................... 9 WE INTRODUCE ........................................................................................................................... 11 William Endley ............................................................................................................................ 11 ONS STEL BEKEND ..................................................................................................................... 11 Dr WS Boshoff: NG Kerk Queenswood ...................................................................................... 11 VOORBLAD | FRONT COVER ...................................................................................................... 13 NONGQAI: OORSPRONG & OOGMERKE ................................................................................... 14 NONGQAI: ROOTS & GOALS....................................................................................................... 15 ONS KYK TERUG OOR 2021 ....................................................................................................... 16 Genl Johan van der Merwe ........................................................................................................ 16 POLISIEGESKIEDENIS | POLICE HISTORY ................................................................................ 18 TROU TOT DIE DOOD TOE.......................................................................................................... 18 Genl JV van der Merwe .............................................................................................................. 18 CAPRIVI: DIE TOORDOKTERS SE SKRIKBEWIND .................................................................... 22 Kol Wynand Schoeman .............................................................................................................. 22 •

Die toordokter en sy 6-jarige slagoffer. ................................................................................ 23

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Die toordokter se “moeti” laat Forensies kopkrap................................................................. 26

MOORD EN ROOF: NO 18211 KAPT FRIK LA GRANGE, KPM, SOO ......................................... 29 HBH ............................................................................................................................................ 29 •

1966 ..................................................................................................................................... 29

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1959: QPM ........................................................................................................................... 30

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1971: Kapt Frik la Grange: ‘n Man met Karakter .................................................................. 31

BLITSPATROLLIE ......................................................................................................................... 43 GENL IP DE VILLIERS: POLISIEBRIGADE: NOORD-AFRIKA ..................................................... 44 NATAL POLICE: PORT SHEPSTONE .......................................................................................... 44 1971: AO L HOLDER: SAP LADYSMITH RUGBYKLUB: .............................................................. 45 1922: GOLD & DIAMOND STAFF: JOHANNESBURG ................................................................. 46 CAPE POLICE: BAAKENS RIVER ................................................................................................ 46 FORMER PRESIDENT FW DE KLERK AND THE SADF, SAP & SSC ......................................... 47 Dave Steward ............................................................................................................................. 47 DIE EERSTE SP VAN DIE RSA: ADV CR SWART ....................................................................... 50 Die man wat ons aktes van kommissie geteken het ... ............................................................... 50 1982: GEDENKPROGRAM: OUD-DEPOT PERSONEEL ............................................................. 51 3 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Kol Dawn Kellerman ................................................................................................................... 51 POLISIEBRIGADE ......................................................................................................................... 67 Mev Annette Botha ..................................................................................................................... 67 REPLY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL JEAN-PIERRE SCHERMAN ................................................... 67 Plaasaanvalle:................................................................................................................................ 69 DERDE PLAASAANVAL IN 24 UUR IN DIE VRYSTAAT .............................................................. 69 Jan van Niekerk.......................................................................................................................... 69 1979: Mowbray Police Station........................................................................................................ 69 Etienne du Plessis ...................................................................................................................... 69 KAPT SL ‘FANIE’ VAN VUUREN ................................................................................................... 70 WOMEN IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE ................................................................................ 76 Brig Duveen Botha (Via Kol Dawn Kellerman) ........................................................................... 76 BEDEELD OF GESTRAF .............................................................................................................. 77 Alias “KOD Brooklyn” ................................................................................................................. 77 VEEDIEFSTAL-EENHEID.............................................................................................................. 79 SAP MUSEUM ........................................................................................................................... 79 EK VERSTAAN, MY VRIEND...! .................................................................................................... 79 Kol Corrie Prinsloo ..................................................................................................................... 79 SAP HAMMANSKRAAL POLISIEKOLLEGE ................................................................................. 81 1940: BETHULIE: MAGISTRAAT EN SA POLISIE ........................................................................ 81 1916: SAP MONTAGU .................................................................................................................. 82 HBH ............................................................................................................................................... 82 Mnr AP Stemmet ........................................................................................................................ 82 •

Konstabel Pieter Spreeth ..................................................................................................... 83

Hier is ‘n paar stukkies agtergrond ............................................................................................. 83 •

Polisie Montagu.................................................................................................................... 83

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Sersant Haupfleisch ............................................................................................................. 83

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Landdroste Montagu ............................................................................................................ 83

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Die Landdroskantoorgebou .................................................................................................. 84

MAJ JF ROSSOUW: GEBORE TE MONTAGU ............................................................................. 85 KOL JF ROSSOUW (GEBORE MONTAGU) DK PIETERSBURG ................................................ 86 A FORMER STALWART OF SA POLICE, MOUNTAIN RISE & BORDER VETERAN: WARRANT OFFICER RAJAGOPAUL (GOPS) KAVARI .................................................................................. 86 "SÊ VIR KOOS ONS GAAN SKIET" – ‘N CASSPIR-STORIE........................................................ 94 Koos de Wet (Australië).............................................................................................................. 94 VREES OOR S.A. POLISIEMAN SE LOT:IN TERRORISTE SE HANDE ..................................... 97 Slagting aan Zambezi – Via Lt-genl J Ferreira ........................................................................... 97 •

Sers. Johan Kühn................................................................................................................. 97

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Konst. Robert Swart ............................................................................................................. 99 4 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

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Konst. Erhard Strydom ......................................................................................................... 99

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Konst. Willem Conradie ........................................................................................................ 99

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Konst. Nonnie Hough ......................................................................................................... 100

GERT ‘FISH’ VISAGÈ & KALLIE KNOETZE: “OU BLITSPATROLLIE: PRETORIA”-MANNE ..... 100 DIE JURIESTELSEL .................................................................................................................... 101 Mnr AP Stemmet ...................................................................................................................... 101 •

Die Koringraad: Makoukursus: Juriestelsel ........................................................................ 102

Verkeerde prioriteite wys hoe ANC as regering misluk ................................................................ 102 Wouter Wessels ....................................................................................................................... 102 WARRANT OFFICER ABBAY (PAPPA) NAIDU: CALLED TO SERVE MAN AND GOD ............ 103 Col Logan Govender ................................................................................................................ 103 BLITSPATROLLIE: PRETORIA TOE EN NOU ............................................................................ 115 AO Gert “Fish” Visagè .............................................................................................................. 115 HUWELIK: KONSTABEL JG (‘STERK-HANS’) DREYER EN MEV HESTER DREYER .............. 116 J Pittaway ................................................................................................................................. 116 BISKOP DESMOND TUTU OORLEDE ....................................................................................... 116 Rudolph de Villiers ................................................................................................................... 116 RUACANA... SHOULD OLD ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOTTEN...? ...................................... 118 Calvinia ........................................................................................................................................ 119 Kol Louis Langenhoven ............................................................................................................ 119 POLISIESIELKUNDE: PERSOONLIKHEIDSTREKKE VAN POLISIEBEAMPTES ...................... 120 Dr Coert Mommsen .................................................................................................................. 120 NONGQAI TRUST | IT 002701/2018(T)....................................................................................... 123 THANK YOU! | DANKIE! .............................................................................................................. 124 1957: NASIONALE VEILIGHEIDSBESTUUR .............................................................................. 125 Mnr GP Jooste: Departement van Buitelandse Sake ............................................................... 125 •

KOMMENTAAR ................................................................................................................. 126

Mnr AP Stemmet ...................................................................................................................... 126 KORT OORSKOU: DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE INTELLIGENSIE-GEMEENSKAP IN HISTORIESE KONTEKS .................................................................................................................................... 127 Dr WP Steenkamp .................................................................................................................... 127 GESKIEDENIS SA SPOORWEGPOLISIE................................................................................... 129 SAKE, VERHALE EN STAALTJIES ............................................................................................. 129 Brig Ronnie Beyl....................................................................................................................... 129 ‘N LEWENSREIS: HOOFSTUK 13 ........................................................................................... 130 Brig Hannes Slabbert ............................................................................................................... 130 REMINISCES OF A RAILWAY POLICEMAN .............................................................................. 132 Keith Alfred Adolf Blake ............................................................................................................ 132 KRYGSGESKIEDENIS ................................................................................................................ 135 COLONEL JOHN YOUNG FILMORE BLAKE AND THE IRISH BRIGADE 1899 – 1902 ............ 135 5 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Pam Beck ................................................................................................................................. 135 ANGLO BOER WAR: COL JOHN YOUNG FILMORE BLAKE ..................................................... 137 Jennifer Bosch.......................................................................................................................... 137 WAR CORRESPONDENT: HENRY RIDER HAGGARD ............................................................. 138 •

Photographs furnished by Jennifer Bosch .......................................................................... 139

ANGLO BOER WAR: BRITISH INDIA ......................................................................................... 143 Jennifer Bosch.......................................................................................................................... 143 •

Parbha Singh ..................................................................................................................... 143

DIE BOERPERD: DESTYDS EN TANS ...................................................................................... 146 C Pretorius ............................................................................................................................... 146 45 QUOTES FROM THE ANNUAL BRITISH MILITARY STAFF APPRAISALS .......................... 152 Lt-Col JP Sherman (via) ........................................................................................................... 152 THE BOERS ................................................................................................................................ 153 Lt-Col JP Sherman ................................................................................................................... 153 ANGLO BOERE-OORLOG: BRITSE INDIËRS............................................................................ 154 Linda Fouche............................................................................................................................ 154 DURBAN: WARTIME MAP .......................................................................................................... 156 Carl Vieira................................................................................................................................. 156 SADF: NATIONAL SERVICE ....................................................................................................... 157 Richard van Wyk ...................................................................................................................... 157 DOWN A VERY SPECIAL MEMORY LANE ................................................................................ 159 Col Willem Ratte (via Frans Bedford-Visser) ............................................................................ 159 SOUTH AFRICANS’ COMMONWEALTH WAR CASUALTIES BURIED ACROSS THE WORLD – PART FOURTY SEVEN............................................................................................................... 163 Captain (SAN) Charles Ross (SA Navy Retired) ...................................................................... 163 •

Tournai Communal Cemetery Allied Extension - Belgium .................................................. 163

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Milan War Cemetery - Italy ................................................................................................. 163

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Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt ...................................................................... 165

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Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium .......................................................................... 165

POLICE INTERNATIONAL .......................................................................................................... 166 SERGEANT YAUWIKA ................................................................................................................ 166 WW2 COLOURISED PHOTOS ................................................................................................ 167 LIVING IN THAILAND .................................................................................................................. 167 Capt Barry Taylor ..................................................................................................................... 167 INTELLIGENCE | INTELLIGENSIE ............................................................................................. 171 MI5 ............................................................................................................................................... 171 Mailonline ................................................................................................................................. 171 REPUBLIKEINSE INTELLIEGSIE EN BURO VIR STAATSVEILIGHEID .................................... 174 •

Henning van Aswegen ....................................................................................................... 174 6 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

VAN DIE REDAKSIE ................................................................................................................... 175 •

OOGGETUIEVERSLAE VAN TERREURDADE GESOEK ................................................ 175

HUMOR IN UNIFORM …. AG DIS NIKS DIT KON ERGER GEWEES HET ............................... 176 Brig Theo Kleynhans ................................................................................................................ 176 LETTERS | BRIEWE .................................................................................................................... 177 Koot Swanepoel ....................................................................................................................... 177 Logan Govender....................................................................................................................... 177 Rina Burger .............................................................................................................................. 177 Christo Retief............................................................................................................................ 177 Robert Brand ............................................................................................................................ 177 Philip Hanafey .......................................................................................................................... 177 Craig Williamson Nongqai Vol 12 No 12B (SAP SB) ................................................................ 177 Brian Harcourt .......................................................................................................................... 178 Nongqai Vol 12 No 12A: Die NVBS: Mnr AP Stemmet ............................................................. 178 Charles Brink ............................................................................................................................ 179 Koot Swanepoel ....................................................................................................................... 179 Stephanus Lourens van Vuuren ............................................................................................... 179 Louis Langenhoven .................................................................................................................. 179 Stephanus Lourens van Vuuren ............................................................................................... 179 Mnr Johan Mostert ................................................................................................................... 179 Barry Fowler: Maps: SADF & SAP Bases ................................................................................ 180 Naam weerhou ......................................................................................................................... 180 Jim Hooper ............................................................................................................................... 181 2021: ABSENT FRIENDS ............................................................................................................ 181 2021: HEILDRONK OP AFGESTORWE KAMERADE ................................................................ 181 NAWOORD | AFTERWORD | SLOTGEDAGTE .......................................................................... 191 Dr Willem Boshoff ..................................................................................................................... 191

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ELEKTRONIESE BEDIENING | E-SERVICE Pastoor Koot Swanepoel “Jou posisie is beter as jou kondisie” Efesiërs 1:7 : “In Hom het ons die verlossing deur Sy bloed, die vergifnis van die misdade na die rykdom van Sy genade.” Ons is soms meer bekommerd oor ons kondisie as oor ons posisie. Laat ek dit so verduidelik: Jou kondisie kan wees hoe jy nou liggaamlik en op materiële vlak is. Maar weet dat dit nie die belangrikste in jou lewe is nie. Die belangrikste is wat is jou posisie in Christus? Hoe sien God jou? In die Ou Testament is daar ‘n treffende verhaal van iemand met die naam van Mefibóset. Hy het lam geraak in albei sy bene toe hy vyf jaar oud was. Sy oppasser het hom laat val toe sy met hom gevlug het omdat hulle in gevaar was. Later lees ons dat Dawid aan Mefibóset guns bewys het. Hy het selfs aan die koning se tafel gesit en was soos ‘n seun in Dawid se huis behandel. Uit sy kondisie (as ‘n lam persoon) is hy verhoog na ‘n posisie as ‘n seun in die koning se huis. (2 Sam. 9) Deur watter trouma het jy gekom? Geskei? Besigheid verloor? Wat het jou miskien geestelik “lam” gemaak? Ek wil jou vandag bemoedig: Hou op kyk na jou kondisie en fokus op jou posisie in Christus. Soos ons teks dit stel het jy in Hom verlossing deur Sy bloed en het jy volkome vergifnis na die rykdom van Sy genade. Wat meer kan jy begeer as dit? • • •

Weeg jou posisie op teenoor jou huidige kondisie. Watter een weeg vir jou die swaarste van die twee? Oorwin jou kondisie deur te besef wat jou posisie in Christus is.

Nota: Ek het gaan lees: Mefibóset is die seun van Jonathan vriend van Dawid – HBH.

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2022: VOORWOORD | FOREWORD

Col William Endley Another tiring year for many veterans and their families has finally come to an end. 2021 was complicated, difficult and uncertain. Throughout the year we witnessed the “fading away” of many of our comrades, family members and friends. As many readers are veterans from the security services around the world, we truly understand and know the meaning of esprit d’ corps and camaraderie. We therefore share our collective grief and sadness when we think of our departed. As an introduction to 2022, an interesting point of discussion is what the wearing of medals and decorations symbolise. Many of us are the proud recipients of awards earned during previous and, in some cases current service, in the various security forces. For some, the wearing and even the award of medals has little or no meaning. Often, military medals are associated with a bleak past, catastrophic events, and personal trauma. Internationally, medals and decorations remain an official symbol of commitment to service in one’s country’s security forces. In the Republic of South Africa, campaign and other awards date back to the former colonial days. On the Republican or Boer side, medals were first officially introduced for Anglo Boer War service a few decades after the war ended, although some unofficial medals were awarded for participation in the Boer Republic’s minor campaigns prior to 1899. In 1588, the Commonwealth tradition of commemorating military campaigns or victories with medals started during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I1 when the Queen awarded commemorative medals to mark England's victory over the Spanish Armada. Until the 19th century, these types of medals were only presented to senior officers. The award of a general campaign medal to all ranks started during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Medals were awarded to all the members of the Parliamentary army who fought in the Battle of Dunbar2. In 1815, after the Battle of Waterloo, a medal was awarded to all of the British participants. Most countries have a formal honours system that consists of orders, decorations, and medals. Medals are symbols that reflect the official thanks of a nation to those who served it honourably, often with gallantry or distinction. When I think of medals, the image of veterans like my grandfather and my uncles gathering for Remembrance Day immediately comes to my mind. Proudly bearing the symbols of the past, these family veterans who paved the way for our generation and for future generations to proudly follow in their martial footsteps.

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. On 3 September 1650, the Battle of Dunbar was fought between the English New Model Army, under Oliver Cromwell and a Scottish army commanded by David Leslie, near Dunbar in Scotland. 1 2

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I personally view and see the awarding of medals as a distinct honour and recognition. Napoleon Bonaparte wisely stated: “You call these baubles, well, it is with baubles that men are led. Do you think that you would be able to make men fight by reasoning? Never. That is good only for the scholar in his study. The soldier needs glory, distinctions, rewards.” Medals were/are usually issued within clearly defined time frames to eligible personnel who served in a specific theatre of war or during peace support operations. During the last few decades, many South Africans have received peacekeeping medals for their valiant efforts undertaken in conflict zones. “The object of giving medals, stars and ribbons is to give pride and pleasure to those who have deserved them. At the same time a distinction is something which everybody does not possess. If all have it, it is of less value. There must, therefore, be heart-burnings and disappointments on the borderline. A medal glitters, but it also casts a shadow. The task of drawing up regulations for such awards is one which does not admit of a perfect solution. It is not possible to satisfy everybody without running the risk of satisfying nobody. All that is possible is to give the greatest satisfaction to the greatest number and to hurt the feelings of the fewest.”3 The medals we wear remain a time-honoured, cherished, and sacred tradition that form an integral part of the culture and history of our security services and armed forces. Medals symbolise the sacrifices that were made and are stark reminders to their recipients of the ‘lost’ time spent away from their families, their loved ones, and their friends. In my humble opinion, when wearing medals, we are respecting, commemorating, and remembering our comrades who paid the ultimate price in the service of our/their countries. Medals are time-honoured, should be cherished, and form an integral part of the sacred tradition in the culture and history of our security services and armed forces. As we reflect on the year behind us, I have added some thoughts that I wrote while on death row in South Sudan in 2018. “The focus should not only be on mourning, commemorating, and remembering our dead to the extent that we forget our living comrades. Memorials and parades serve as stark reminders of not only our fallen over the years but, very importantly, the contribution made by the living to the freedom and liberties often just accepted and taken for granted. We need to remember and appreciate one another while we still can. These memorials serve as stark reminders for our future generations and should be both seen and regarded as symbols of sacrifice without any political associations or connotations. Whether a regimental policeman, clerk, driver, paratrooper, sapper, gunner or infantryman, all have committed and sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears, and given years of their lives to make a nation proud and independent.”4

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Winston Churchill – 22 March 1944 Endley, William. (2019) No Justice No Mercy: A South Sudan Story. Groep 7 Publications.

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On behalf of the editorial team, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a safe and prosperous 2022. “A new year is like starting a new chapter in your life. It’s your chance to write an incredible story for yourself.”

WE INTRODUCE William Endley William Endley, is an extraordinary combination of experienced and capable soldier and historian of note. His vast experience (both practical and academic) and his enthusiasm combined with an indomitable determination to research and get to the ‘heart of the matter’ make him the ideal person to evaluate and comment on scenarios of a military nature. He is also an author of note, an experienced collector of militaria (especially of South African interest) and an effective communicator. William Endley was commissioned into the SADF in 1980 at the age of 19 and completed the necessary promotional and specialist courses required to reach the rank of colonel. In addition, he completed with distinction, the South African Army Senior Command and Staff Duties course following which he completed the South African National Defence Force Executive National Security Programme.

ONS STEL BEKEND Dr WS Boshoff: NG Kerk Queenswood Dr Willem Sternberg Boshoff is gebore 20 Mei 1962 op Schweizer Reneke, as tweede van vyf kinders van Adam Boshoff en Adelaide (neé Van Niekerk). Hy het skoolgegaan in Laerskool Hugenote (Mayfair, Johannesburg), Laerskool Danie Theron (Eikenhof), Laerskool Belfast en Hoërskool Belfast voordat hy in 1979 matriek geskryf het aan Hoërskool Ben Viljoen, Groblersdal. Hy het in 1980 met mediese studies begin aan die Universiteit van Pretoria, maar vroeg in sy eerste jaar oorgeskakel na teologie. Hy behaal die volgende grade aan UP: BA, BA(Hons)(wysbegeerte), BD en ‘n nagraadse diploma in teologie. Tydens sy studentejare het hy op UP se Verteenwoordigende Studenteraad gedien en was voorsitter van Sonop Christelike Tehuis se huiskomitee. Hy was lief vir rugby en speel haker vir UP se o/19- en o/20-spanne. Hy behaal SA Universiteite o/20-kleure. Hy het ook van musiek gehou en was lid van ‘n sang- en musiekgroep olv Jannie du Toit en prof Anna Neethling-Pohl, wat gaan toer het met die eerste wetenskapsfiksie in Afrikaans: Langenhoven se “Loeloeraai”. In November 1986 is hy gelegitimeer as predikant van die NG Kerk. Na sewe jaar se studentelewe doen hy vir 2 jaar nasionale diensplig as kapelaan by Kommandement Oos-Transvaal HK op Nelspruit. Hy begin deelneem aan padwedlope en volooi onder andere die Kangomarathon in Oudshoorn, die Duine-marathon by Walvisbaai en die Comeradesmarathon in weermagkleure. As predikant van die NG Kerk bedien hy die volgende gemeentes: Marondera in Zimbabwe (19891995), Louis Trichardt (1995-2008) en Queenswood in Pretoria (2008 tot op hede).

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Hoogtepunte het ingesluit jeugkampe in die Zambezivallei, Louis Trichardt se laerskool en NG gemeente eeufees 2006, kategese uitstappies met die trein en ‘n groot beestrok, gesinskampe met soveel as 150 mense by Tshipise, Queenswood se “Gestuurde Gemeente”-reis en ‘n toer na Egipte en Israel in 2019. Hy geniet prediking en Bybelskool. Oor die jare was Paasfeeste en Pinksterreekse van groot belang. Hy het as voltydse predikant aanhou studeer en behaal ‘n MTh-graad by Unisa o.l.v. prof Jan van Arkel en ‘n PhD by UP o.l.v. prof Malan Nel, albei in Praktiese Teologie. Die titel van sy proefskrif is: “Gemeentebou en die begeleiding van rouprosesse in ‘n konteks van omvattende verandering. (stemme uit drie gemeentes van die NG Kerk se Noordelike Sinode).” Hy is getroud met Sulia (neé de Winnaar). Hy het drie volwasse kinders: Henri (finansiële wiskunde), Rudolph (ingenieur) en Lynette (argitek). Sy bonuskind Louisa is eerstejaarstudent aan UP.

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VOORBLAD | FRONT COVER

Genl-maj LG Snyman, MBE

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NONGQAI: OORSPRONG & OOGMERKE

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NONGQAI: ROOTS & GOALS

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ONS KYK TERUG OOR 2021 Genl Johan van der Merwe

Die jaar 2021 is verby en C J Langenhoven se gedig so treffend waar : Met die water wat verby is Sal jou meule nooit weer maal. Uit die assies op jou vuurherd Sal jy nooit geen gloed weer haal. Uit die tak wat jy gekap het Groei nooit weer ‘n groene blaar. Gaste gister op jou feesmaal Kry jy nooit weer bymekaar. Die afgelope jaar is by uitstek gekenmerk deur familielede en vriende wat as gevolg van die Covid-19-virus gesterf het en ‘n spoor van hartseer en verdriet agtergelaat het. Gelukkig is daar die kosbare herinneringe en ‘n Hemelse Vader wat ons met Sy liefde en genade vertroos. Dit was ook ‘n jaar waar die konflik van die verlede opnuut die klem laat val het op die skokkende wyse waarop die Nasionale Party die lede van die Polisiemag wat ons land en sy mense met oorgawe gedien en beskerm het, in die steek gelaat het.

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Politieke leiers van die vorige bedeling het as gevolg van kortsigtigheid of ruggraatloosheid toegelaat dat die woord “apartheid” ‘n skelwoord geword het wat alles wat in die verlede gedoen is wat edel en opbouend was, verguis het. Die feit dat die Polisiemag daarin geslaag het om terreurvoorvalle soos die Kerkstraatbom, die ontploffings by die Amanzimtoti winkelsentrum tot ‘n minimum te beperk en dat die verkiesing gedurende 1994 teen alle verwagtinge vreedsaam verloop het, het nooit tot die gemeenskap deurgedring nie. Lede van die Polisiemag het alles veil vir hulle taak gehad en as gevolg van hulle toewyding en onvermoeide ywer is ‘n onberekenbare getal lewens, wat veral die weerloses soos vrouens en kinders insluit, gespaar. Ons was in ‘n rewolusionêre aanslag gewikkel waar terreurdade die botoon gevoer het en weerloses, veral vrouens en kinders dikwels die slagoffers was. Met al die omstandighede wat daarmee gepaard gegaan het, was dit soms moeilik om ‘n keuse te naak tussen wat die reg van ons vereis het en ons morele plig om die weerloses te beskerm. Al was ons dade soms ondeurdag en verkeerd, was ons motiewe suiwer en ons doelwit bloot om te beskerm en te dien. CM van den Heever se gedig “Ek bou die paleis van lewe” verwoord in ‘n groot mate die loop van ons geskiedenis : EK BOU DIE PALEIS VAN DIE LEWE DEUR C M VAN DEN HEEVER Ek bou die paleis van die lewe met my kragte deur arbeid gewin, maar dis of ek huiwerend bewe as ek telkens weer oor begin. So dood-sekuur lyk my die lyne waarlangs ek my stene moet bou maar later teleurstellingspyne: waar is my verwagtinge nou? En telkens kry ek ‘n spoortjie en glo: ja, nou is ek reg,

maar soos in ‘n dorre ou voortjie sink die water van vrugbaarheid weg. Gedurig weer ‘n gedagte: ja, eind’lik, nou het ek hom, maar later verslap weer die kragte; sal ek ooit by my einddoel kom? Sal ek maar met sidd’rende hande nog boustene bring en dan sug: al tas ek verward langs die wande, miskien sien ek eenmaal die Lig? Ek bou die paleis van die lewe, ek begin weer van voorafaan; dalk sal op die end van my strewe net lewensmurasies daar staan.

Aan die einde van hierdie jaar wil ek graag hulde bring aan al die lede van die Polisiemag wat onbaatsugtig en met prysgawe van alle eie belange ons land en sy mense gedien het. Ons vyande en ‘n magdom sikofante se aanslag om ons te verguis sal sonder twyfel in die nuwe jaar in felheid toeneem, maar kan nooit ons vertroue in ons Hemelse Vader en ‘n esprit de corps wat oor ‘n leeftyd gevestig is, vernietig nie. Ek wens al die ou lede van die Polisiemag en hulle dierbares ‘n jaar vol vreugde en blydskap toe en mag die Bybel ons rigsnoer wees. 17 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

POLISIEGESKIEDENIS | POLICE HISTORY

TROU TOT DIE DOOD TOE Genl JV van der Merwe KURT WALDHEIM, sekretaris-generaal van die VN, het aan die einde van 1980 voorgestel dat ŉ veelpartyberaad van Suidwes-partye in Genève, Switserland, oor onafhanklikheid vir Suidwes gehou word. Daar was in dié stadium 42 politieke partye in Suidwes. Mnr. Hough het opdrag gekry om met die verskillende partye te onderhandel met die oog op die veelpartyberaad. Eie aan die politiek in Suidwes was daar uit die staanspoor verdeeldheid en teëkanting. As hierdie party gaan, gaan daardie party nie, en dan was daar nog talle ander besware. Ná lang en intensiewe onderhandelinge het mnr. Hough uiteindelik die partye oorreed om ter wille van die beraad mekaar se bona fides te aanvaar. Verteenwoordigers van die DTA en sewe ander politieke partye, waaronder die Suidwes Nasionale Party, sou die Geneefse beraad van 7 tot 14 Januarie 1981 bywoon. Kort voor die beraad het ŉ senior lid van die Weermag mnr. Hough genader met ŉ voorstel wat bedoel was om tydens die beraad die wind uit Swapo se seile te haal. Volgens hom het Mishake Muyongo, gewese onderleier van Swapo wat uit die party is ná ŉ botsing met Nujoma en ander leiers, ingewillig om sy opwagting tydens die beraad te maak en hom by die demokratiese partye te skaar. Dit sou sonder twyfel groot publisiteit uitlok en Swapo in ŉ ernstige verleentheid stel. Mnr. Hough het die saak met die veiligheidskomitee van Suidwes-Afrika, waarin ek ook gedien het, bespreek. Ek het dit op my beurt met lede van die veiligheidstak bespreek. Hulle het ernstige bedenkinge oor Muyongo se optrede gehad. Dit sou op politieke selfmoord neerkom en Muyongo sou homself in die oë van Afrika en die lande wat Swapo steun, verwerplik maak. Maj. Attie Nel en kapt. Henty Botha, wat goed ingelig was, was oortuig daarvan dat Muyongo hom nooit by so ŉ ooreenkoms sou hou nie. Die demokratiese partye in Suidwes het hom in dié stadium geen politieke toekoms gebied nie. Ek het mnr. Hough ingelig dat dit ŉ onsinnige handeling sou wees en hom gewaarsku dat dit vir hom ŉ groot verleentheid gaan skep. Die Weermag was egter vol vertroue dat Muyongo sy onderneming gestand sou doen. Hy het ook heelwat geld van hulle gekry. Daar is derhalwe besluit om met die plan voort te gaan. Mnr. Hough moes daarna die demokratiese partye oorhaal om Muyongo as deel van hul afvaardiging te 18 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

aanvaar. Dit het groot teëkanting uitgelok. Dirk Mudge was heftig teen die plan gekant en het selfs gedreig om die beraad te boikot. Mnr. Hough het uiteindelik met groot moeite daarin geslaag om hulle te oorreed. Daar is besluit dat ŉ intelligensievermoë in Genève gevestig moet word om die demokratiese partye by te staan. Die Weermag en die Nasionale Intelligensiediens het nie oor die vermoë beskik nie en ek is gevra om die taak te onderneem. Nasionale Intelligensie het al die reëlings getref en sou die oorhoofse koste dra. My hoofkantoor in Pretoria sou my vir my persoonlike uitgawes vergoed. Daar is gereël dat ek in Frankryk met kapt. Craig Williamson, wat aan die intelligensie-afdeling van die veiligheidstak verbonde was, sou skakel. Kapt. Williamson sou deur sy bronne inligting insamel wat vir die demokratiese partye van nut mag wees en dit aan my oordra. Hy was persona non grata in Switserland, derhalwe die skakeling in Frankryk. Ek is na Genève vergesel van ŉ lid van die veiligheidstak in Oshakati, sers. Nikkie Nampala, ŉ Wambo. Hy sou help met vertalings indien nodig. Ons het afsonderlik gereis en in verskillende hotelle in Genève tuisgegaan. Toe ek sers. Nampala by sy hotel besoek, kry ek hom nie in sy kamer nie. Ek gaan toe na die eetsaal om te kyk of hy nie dalk daar is nie. Daar sit hy toe by ’n tafel. Die oomblik toe hy my sien, skree hy: “Kolonel, kom help asseblief!” Hy het in sy onkunde ŉ fondue bestel en het verstar voor die gasverwarmer, skottel en ander toebehore gesit. Daar was geen manier waarop ek hom daar en dan oor fondues kon touwys maak nie, en ek het die kelner gevra om dit maar te verwyder. Ek het gemerk dat sers. Nampala ’n duur kameelhaarjas dra en verstom gevra waar hy dit kry. Hy het verduidelik dat hy so koud gekry het dat hy die jas gaan koop het. Die jas het ŉ fortuin gekos en hy het al die geld wat hy as voorskot gekry het, daaraan bestee. Ek was verslae. Nikkie sou die jas ná Genève nooit weer kon gebruik nie. Ovambo was somer en winter warm tot bloedig warm. Ek het inderhaas gereël vir ŉ verdere voorskot vir Nikkie met die uitdruklike opdrag dat hy nie weer klere mag koop sonder om my te raadpleeg nie. Dit was my eerste besoek aan Genève. Die enigste raad wat ek van kollegas gekry het wat die stad al besoek het, was om enige vrou wat my in ŉ restaurant of ander eetplek nader, soos die pes te vermy. Volgens hulle gebeur dit dikwels dat sulke vroue uitspattige bestellings plaas wat op jou rekening kom. Ek was doodsbenoud elke keer wanneer ek ŉ restaurant besoek het – sodra ŉ vrou by my tafel kom sit het, het ek opgestaan en geloop. Ek het gou agtergekom dat daar so te sê geen diefstal in Genève is nie. Fietse het oral op straat rondgestaan en geld vir koerante en tydskrifte is in houers geplaas sonder dat enigeen dit gekontroleer het. Verskeie stalletjies met koopware het op dieselfde manier gewerk. Die hotel waar ek tuisgegaan het, het geen etes aangebied nie en ek moes in ŉ restaurant gaan eet. Toe ek die rekening wou betaal, het die kelner beduie dat ek die geld en die rekening in ŉ piering op die tafel moet los. Ek het op ŉ kwitansie aangedring, anders sou hoofkantoor my nie vir die uitgawe vergoed nie. Niemand wou my egter ŉ kwitansie gee nie en ek het maar die geld op die tafel gelaat. So het dit vir twee dae aangegaan en ek het maar aanvaar dat ek geldelik aan die kortste ent gaan trek. Die oggend van die derde dag het ek ’n rukkie met die ontvangsklerk by my hotel gesels. Nasionale Intelligensie het daarop aangedring dat ek onder ŉ skuilnaam as ŉ boer by die hotel tuisgaan. Die klerk het opgemerk dat daar ook ander boere uit Suid-Afrika in die hotel bly. Hy het twee van hulle se kamernommers vir my gegee. Daar tref ek toe twee lede van Nasionale Intelligensie aan. Hulle wou verbaas weet hoe ek by hulle uitgekom het, want alles is in die grootste geheimhouding gereël. Daar was toe geen rede vir verdere geheimhouding nie en ons 19 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

het gereeld met mekaar geskakel. Ek het aan hulle my verknorsing met die kwitansies verduidelik en hulle was stomgeslaan dat my hoofkantoor so ŉ onpraktiese reëling kon tref. Hulle het my na Andries Brand, ’n senior lid van Nasionale Intelligensie, gebring. Hy het dadelik reëlings getref om die saak reg te stel. Ek het per bus na Frankryk gereis, waar ek kapt. Craig Williamson moes ontmoet. Ek het nie ŉ visum vir Frankryk gehad nie, maar die grenspos waardeur ek beweeg het, het nooit vir paspoorte of visums gevra nie. Ek moes ’n ver ent van die bushalte na kapt. Williamson se hotel stap. Dit het my met ŉ mate van ironie opgeval dat kapt. Williamson baie meer bevoorreg as ek was, hoewel ek ’n kolonel en afdelingsbevelvoerder van die veiligheidstakke in Suidwes was. Hy het met ŉ luukse motor gery en my op ’n duur ete onthaal. Gewoond daaraan om tot net die noodsaaklikste uitgawes beperk te word, het ek die goedkoopste geregte op die spyskaart gekies, maar Craig het hom nie veel aan pryse gesteur nie. Kapt. Williamson het met verskeie informante geskakel wat in Swapo-geledere beweeg het en nuttige inligting aan my verskaf oor wat Swapo se strategie tydens die beraad sou wees. Die Weermaglid wat met die voorstel oor Mishake Muyongo gekom het, het gereël dat Muyongo mnr. Hough om middernag die aand van die beraad op ŉ plek in Genève sou ontmoet. Mnr. Hough het op die vasgestelde tyd by die afgesproke plek opgedaag, waar hy die eensame, verleë Weermaglid aangetref het. Muyongo het soos mis voor die son verdwyn. Mnr. Hough moes toe op sy beurt ewe verleë die demokratiese partye inlig dat die beplande skouspel nie meer gaan plaasvind nie. DIE beraad in Genève het uiteindelik op niks uitgeloop nie. Die partye het na Suidwes teruggekeer om die stryd te hervat. Op versoek van mnr. Hough het ek en brig. Theo Mey en brig. Chris Thirion, beide van die Weermag, moontlikhede ondersoek om groter samewerking tussen die partye te bewerkstellig. Ons het voorgestel dat mnr. Mudge en die leiers van die belangrikste politieke partye in Pretoria byeengebring word, waar probeer kan word om ŉ beter verstandhouding tussen hulle te skep. Mnr. Hough het saamgestem en onderneem om self met mnr. Mudge en mnr. Kosie Pretorius, leier van die Suidwes Nasionale Party, te skakel. Die veiligheidstak het ŉ uitstekende verhouding met die leiers van die verskillende bevolkingsgroepe gehad. Ek sou dus met mnr. Hans Diergaardt van die Rehohoboth Basters, mnr. Barney Barnes van die Kleurlinge en hoofman Justus Garoeb van die Damaras onderhandel. Brigadiers Mey en Thirion met mnr. Peter Kalangula van Ovambo geskakel. Mnr. Diergaardt het sy bedenkinge gehad en mnr. Barnes was ook teësinnig. Hoofman Garoeb wou aan geen onderhandelinge deelneem waarby mnr. Mudge betrokke is nie. Volgens hom het mnr. Mudge hom voorheen in die rug gesteek. Dit was vir my opvallend dat almal bereid was om met mnr. Pretorius van die Nasionale Party te onderhandel, maar almal het hul bedenkinge oor mnr. Mudge gehad. Ná lang oorreding het die partye ingewillig en ons het onder leiding van mnr. Hough en met die hulp van die Weermag gereël dat hulle op 12 Augustus 1982 in Pretoria by die Sterrewag, die koepel by die S.A. Militêre Inligtingskollege op Klapperkop, bymekaar kom. Op die vooraand van die samesprekinge het ’n lid van die veiligheidstak, Nico Smit, wat sou reël vir die vervoer van hoofman Garoeb, my gebel en vertel dat die hoofman besluit het om nie te gaan nie. Ek was reeds in Pretoria en het dadelik hoofman Garoeb gebel. Hy was baie bekommerd dat sy samesprekinge met mnr. Mudge sy volgelinge teen hom sou laat draai. Ek het hom verseker dat die samesprekinge in die grootste geheimhouding sou plaasvind. Hy het toe ingewillig en al die betrokke leiers het die volgende dag in die Sterrewag vergader. 20 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Mnr. P.W Botha, Eerste Minister, mnr. Pik Botha, Minister van Buitelandse Sake, en genl. Magnus Malan, Minister van Verdediging, het hulle later by die samesprekinge aangesluit. Mnr. Botha het dit duidelik gestel dat die toekoms van Suidwes in die hande van die politieke leiers lê. Hy het veral ŉ beroep op mnr. Mudge gedoen om alles in die stryd te werp om groter eenheid tussen die demokratiese partye te bewerkstellig. Tydens die samesprekinge was daar geredelike aanvaarding en gewilligheid tussen die partye om saam te werk, maar mnr. Mudge is telkens uitgeskuif. Dit het hom baie gefrustreer en hy het by geleentheid opgemerk dat hy glad nie kan begryp hoe die ander partye bereid kan wees om met die Nasionale Party, met wie hulle niks gemeen het, saam te werk nie, maar die DTA, wat wesenlik dieselfde beleid het, verwerp. Die gevoel van samehorigheid tussen die leiers van die ander partye het klaarblyklik gespruit uit die feit dat al vyf hul steun uit hul onderskeie bevolkingsgroepe gekry het, terwyl mnr. Mudge die minderheidsteun van die blankes gehad het. Tydens die informele gesprekke waar oor politieke verskille en geskille geskerts is, het interessante aspekte na vore gekom, wat weer eens beklemtoon het hoe kulturele verskille die politieke situasie beïnvloed. Mnr. Barnes van die Kleurlinge was eers ’n DTA-lid, maar het ná ŉ botsing met mnr. Mudge sy eie party gestig. Hy wou by hoofman Garoeb van die Damaras weet waarom ŉ belangrike vergadering van die DTA tydens die verkiesing in Damaraland misluk het. Die DTA het ŉ groot vleisbraai gereël om kiesers te lok. Twee beeste is vir dié doel geslag. Gewoonlik sou so ŉ vleisbraai duisende Damaras gelok het, maar net ŉ klein groepie het opgedaag. Hoofman Garoeb het laggend geantwoord dat dit geen kuns was om die vergadering te verongeluk nie. Daar was geen vriesgeriewe op die plek waar die vergadering gehou sou word nie en hy het bloot die gerug versprei dat die geslagte beeste in die koelkas by die lykshuis gebêre word. Die Damaras sou nooit vleis eet wat naby ŉ lyk was nie en het dus die vergadering soos die pes vermy. Die samesprekinge in Pretoria het ongelukkig nie bygedra tot groter samewerking tussen die demokratiese partye nie. Ná afloop daarvan het die ander partye steeds die DTA met argwaan bejeën. Mnr. Mudge het later beweer dat die brigadiers en die vyf politieke leiers wat by die byeenkoms betrokke was, ŉ komplot teen hom gesmee het en dat alles vooraf beplan was. Dit is glad nie waar nie. Die vyf leiers was nooit voor die tyd bymekaar om oor die byeenkoms te beraadslaag nie en die brigadiers wat betrokke was, het nooit voor die tyd samesprekinge met hulle gevoer nie. Ná die mislukking van die Pretoria-byeenkoms het mnr. Hough besluit dat die strategie oor Suidwes hersien moet word. Lede van die Weermag, Nasionale Intelligensie, Buitelandse Sake en ander departemente wat by Suidwes betrokke was, is genooi om op die plaas Bergtop, waarvan mnr. Hough een van die eienaars was, byeen te kom om te help om ’n nuwe strategie uit te werk. Ons sou in wooneenhede tuisgaan wat vyf mense elk kon huisves. Voor ons vertrek het mnr. Hough my gevra om drie mense te kies om saam met ons twee in ’n eenheid te bly. Voor ek egter enigiemand kon noem, sê hy: “Maak dit genl. Dolf Gouws, brig. Jan du Preez en Pierre Beylefeld.” Genl. Gouws was Kommissaris van die SWA Polisie, brig. Du Preez tweede-in-bevel van die veiligheidstak van die SA Polisie en mnr. Beylefeld ŉ lid van die Nasionale Intelligensiediens wat aan die kantoor van die administrateur-generaal gesekondeer was. Hy was hoof van die gesamentlike inligtingsentrum van Suidwes. Ek het dit so gereël en ons het die middag op Bergtop aangekom. Nadat ons lank strategie gepraat het, het ons verdaag en later die aand ŉ vleisbraai geniet. Ek en Pierre Beylefeld het omstreeks halfelf gaan slaap. In die nag word ek wakker van ŉ onaardse geluid. Ek lê ŉ ruk en luister en kom agter dat dit ŉ gesnork is. Daar was geen elektrisiteit nie, maar in die lig van die brandende lantern by die deur sien ek dis genl. Gouws wat so snork. Beylefeld is ook wakker. Dis 21 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

net die drie van ons in die eenheid – van mnr. Hough en brig. Du Preez is daar geen teken nie. Ek kyk op my horlosie en sien dis 2 vm. Buite by die kampvuur wat nog brand, tref ek mnr. Hough en brig. Du Preez aan. Mnr. Hough sit op ŉ stoel met ŉ kombers om hom gedraai. Brig. Du Preez lê op ŉ matras ŉ ent van die vuur af. Toe mnr. Hough my sien, merk hy op: “Dolf Gouws snork so dat ek skoon hoofpyn het.” Gelukkig was dit nie ék wat hom as slaapmaat gekies het nie. Ek het na die wooneenheid teruggestap en die deur hard toegeklap. Genl. Gouws het vervaard orent gekom en deur die slaap gevra wat aan die gang is. Ek verduidelik toe dat ek na die ander gaan soek het, maar dat hulle nog by die vuur sit. Voor genl. Gouws weer met sy snorkery kon begin, het ek gelukkig aan die slaap geraak. ŉ Verkiesing onder VN-toesig het uiteindelik in 1989 plaasgevind. Die Suid-Afrikaanse regering het alles in die stryd gewerp om die demokratiese partye te ondersteun en miljoene rande bestee om hulle met hul verkiesingsveldtogte te help. Veral in Ovambo is groot geld uitgegee. Die verkiesing het presies verloop soos ons in ons verslag aan mnr. P.W. Botha voorspel het: Swapo het met ’n groot meerderheid gewen. Hy het 57,33% van die stemme gekry teenoor die 28,55% van die DTA. In die 2004-verkiesing het Swapo 75% van die stemme gekry teenoor die 5% van die DTA. Ek het einde Maart 1983 na Suid-Afrika teruggekeer ná ŉ veelbewoë en wonderlike tyd in Suidwes … ŉ mooi land met wonderlike mense.

CAPRIVI: DIE TOORDOKTERS SE SKRIKBEWIND Kol Wynand Schoeman Die gewone Capriviaan het ‘n absolute en soms allesoorheersende vrees vir die invloed van die toordokter. Daar bestaan ‘n “geloof” in die Caprivi dat die toordokter jou kan vermoor of dan selfs in ‘n padda of trapsuutjies kon verander. Almal was dus versigtig want niemand wou die res van sy lewe as ‘n padda of trapsuutjies binnegaan nie. Dit het dan ook meegebring dat die Capriviane normale en rasionele denke oorboord kon gooi en dan ook doen wat die toordokter van hul verwag. Dit was dus nie ‘n verassing dat daar soms meer moorde op die misdaadstatistiek se SAP 6 as diefstalle of selfs onwettige jag aangeteken is nie. As die toordokter jou aangesê het om iemand op sy versoek dood te maak, het jy dit gedoen, om te voorkom dat jy, as jy sou weier, self deur die toordokter ter dood veroordeel sou word. Die volgende twee gevalle is dan ook sprekend hiervan. Ek het nie meer die saaknommers nie en sal dan ook nie van die betrokkenes se werklike name gebruik maak, in soverre dit die aangeklaagdes betref, alhoewel ek dit goed kan onthou. Die feite soos weergegee is korrek want sulke afskuwelike moordgevalle word nie sommer vergeet nie. Ek wil die leser waarsku dat hierdie sake nie ontspannende leestof is nie.

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• Die toordokter en sy 6-jarige slagoffer. Een Maandagoggend in April 1980 rapporteer die oom van die ongelukkige slagoffer by die Polisiestasie op Katima Mulilo en rapporteer dat ‘n familielid, ’n 6-jarige dogtertjie uit een van die inwonerstatjies in die oostelike gedeelte van die Caprivi, weggeraak het. Dié kind was reeds 6 dae soek. Dit word onmiddellik onder my aandag gebring. Ek voltooi die nodige Vermiste Personevorm maar daar is nêrens heen waarheen ek dit kan sirkuleer nie. Die Caprivi is ‘n afgeleë gebied en die naaste S.A. Polisiestasie is 400 kilometer ver geleë en daar is geen manier hoe die arme kind in hul Polisiewyk kon beland nie. Dié betrokke statjie is loopafstand van die Choberivier, wat die grenslyn tussen die Caprivi en Botswana vorm, geleë. Dit was die operasionele gebied en daar was geen kontak of kommunikasielyn tussen die Caprivi en Botswana nie. Inteendeel, die verhoudinge met selfs ons eweknie in die Botswana Polisie was stram. Ek probeer nogtans op nie-amptelike wyse ‘n boodskap na die Botswana Polisie deurstuur vir ingeval dié kind aldaar sou opduik. ‘n Paar kilometer verder noord was die Zambezirivier met Zambië aan die oorkant. Die verhoudinge met die Zambiërs was eweneens uiters stram vanweë die feit dat hul Swapo goedgesind was en hul gehuisves het. Wat die verhoudinge met hul verder gestrem het was die feit dat die S.A. Weermag wanneer nodig, oorgrensoperasies in Zambië geloods het. Die kind se oom deel my mee dat die moeder van die kind hom gevra het om die vermiste kind by die Polisie aan te meld aangesien sy geen vervoer gehad het om dit self te doen nie en buitendien was haar statjie van die buitewêreld afgesny omdat die Zambezirivier in vloed was, sy walle oorstroom het en reeds sowat 40 kilometer ver die oostelike gedeelte van die Oos Caprivi binnegestoot het. Die laagliggende gedeelte van die oostelike gedeelte van die Caprivi was eintlik ‘n vloedvlakte wat jaarliks gereeld oorstroom en dan meestal slegs per helikopter bereik kon word. Ek stel vas dat die vader van die kind ‘n Zambiese burger is en noord van Sesheke in Zambië woonagtig is. Hy was blykbaar kort van tevore in die Caprivi en daar was die moontlikheid dat hy die kind na familie in Zambië kon geneem het. Ek probeer nie-amptelik ‘n boodskap na Sesheke, wat direk oorkant Katima Mulilo geleë is, deurstuur. Iets in die kind se oom se storie hinder my. Dit is asof my voorgevoel en sesde sintuig my waarsku om tog dieper na die aangeleentheid te kyk. Dit was boonop onduidelik in wie se geselskap die verlore dogtertjie laaste was. ‘n Vraag waarop die oom baie vae antwoorde gegee het. My voorgevoel sê my dat die oom nie die volle storie vertel nie en besig is om te lieg. Ek vra Adjudant - Offisier Johann Bacher, om met die moeder van die kind kontak te maak. Johann Bacher was ‘n uiters bekwame en ervare ondersoekbeampte. Hy en nog ‘n plaaslike lid reël met die Lugmag om hulle per Alouette-helikopter na die betrokke statjie te neem. Die moeder van die kind deel Johann Bacher mee dat die kind laaste in die geselskap van die betrokke oom gesien is en sy om daardie rede vir die oom gevra het om die kind as vermis by die Polisie aan te gee. Al die omliggende statjies weet reeds dat die kind weggeraak het. Die kind was laas toe sy gesien is in ‘n groenkleurige rokkie geklee. Met Johann Bacher se terugkeer word besluit om die oom bietjie dieper te ondervra. Net voordat hy egter verder ondervra kon word, ontvang ons die boodskap by die Polisiestasie dat honde ‘n kombers uit die Choberivier getrek het en klaarblyklik besig was om aan die inhoud te kou. Die honde eienaar stel toe ondersoek in en vind beendere, wat vermoedelik van menslike oorsprong was, binne in die kombers. Daarmee saam was ‘n verslete groen rokkie wat die konneksie met die verlore dogtertjie was. Johann Bacher en nog ‘n lid vertrek na die Choberivier en lê beslag op die kombers en beendere en neem dit na die lykshuis by die plaaslik hospitaal. Die moeder van die kind ken die groen rokkie uit as dié van haar kind en die betrokke rokkie waarin die dogtertjie laas geklee was. Stappe word onmiddellik gereël vir ‘n lykskouing deur ‘n patoloog vanaf Windhoek. Die aanvanklike gebruik met lykskouings was dat dit deur ‘n patoloog vanaf Pretoria (gewoonlik Professor Loubser), gedoen sou word, wat dan op die gewone Flossie-geskeduleerde vlug na Katima Mulilo sou vlieg. Die patoloog sou na aankoms onmiddellik die lykskouing gaan uitvoer en 23 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

daarna met dieselfde Flossie na Pretoria terugkeer. Die Flossie sou dan op die lughawe wag tot die lykskouing afgehandel was. Forensiese patalogiesedienste is egter intussen na Windhoek oorgedra en moes ‘n patoloog vanaf Windhoek dié dienste verrig. Omdat daar nie direkte vlugte vanaf Windhoek na die Caprivi was nie, moes ‘n privaatvliegtuig vir dié doel gehuur word. Dié vliegtuig sou eweneens op Mpachalughawe wag totdat die lykskouing afgehandel is en dan die patoloog terug na Windhoek vlieg. ‘n Duur oefening. Meer oor die patologiese verslag later. Dié verslag en bevinding van die patoloog sou egter ons kaarte en gepaardgaande ondersoek, erg deurmekaar krap. Die oom was op daardie stadium ons verdagte in die saak en hy word onmiddellik as verdagte aangehou. Johann Bacher plaas met sy ondervraging druk op die oom en word hy gekonfronteer met die feit dat die kind laaste in sy geselskap was en dat die liggaam van die kind (of dit wat daarvan oor was), gevind is. Die oom verloor sy selfversekerdheid oor die volgende twee dae en kom met die volgende relaas voor ‘n dag en word hy kort daarna na die landdros geneem vir die aflegging van ’n bekentenis. ‘n Verhaal met uiters grusame detail wat enige persoon slapelose nagte sou besorg. Volgens dié bekentenis was die feite kortliks as volg: Hy is die oom van die kind en die eienaar van ’n winkeltjie (“Cuca shop”), wat in ‘n statjie aangrensend aan dié van die betrokke dogtertjie was. Sy verkope was egter swak en sy winkeltjie was besig om onder te gaan. Hy spreek ‘n toordokter vir “moetie” om sy verkope te verbeter en sy besigheid van ondergang te red. Saam met hom was nog ‘n familielid (wat ek die mielieboer sal noem), wat ‘n klein lappie mielies rondom sy modderhut aangeplant het. Sy mielie opbrengs was ook swak en hy besluit eweneens om ook die betrokke toordokter vir “moetie” te nader om sy opbrengs te verbeter. Die toordokter deel hul mee dat hy vir hul kragtige “moetie” sal voorberei maar ‘n liggaam van ‘n jong kind daarvoor nodig het. As toordokter was hyself opsoek na die brein en hart van ‘n kind. Hyself het die brein van die kind nodig gehad sodat hy nog ‘n slimmer toordokter kon word. Die brein was dus vir wysheid. Die hart sou weer verseker dat hy sterker en ‘n kragtige toordokter sou wees, wie se “moetie” sterker as enige ander toordokter se “medisyne” sou wees. Dié voorstel was vir hul aanvaarbaar en nadat die toordokter ook sy dolosse gegooi het, besluit die drie saam om die betrokke kind te vermoor en haar liggaam vir “moetie” te gebruik. Die kind was die ideale slagoffer omdat daar altyd gesê kon word dat haar vader haar na Zambië geneem het. Die reëling was dat die oom die kind met lekkergoed sou weglok en dan direk na die toordokter neem. Die mielieboer sou daar by hulle aansluit. In die Swart tradisie skuif kinders maklik tussen familielede rond en was dit maklik om die kind sover te kry om saam met hom na sy stat toe te gaan toe hy noem dat hy die kind se pa uit Zambië verwag (wat ’n leuen was). Die moeder stem in dat die dogtertjie saam met die oom mag gaan, maar dat sy oor twee dae teruggebring moes word. Dit was die laaste maal wat die moeder die kind lewend sou sien. Die oom neem die kind reguit na die toordokter se sogenaamde spreekkamer waar die mielieboer later die aand opdaag. Die toordokter deel sy mede trawante mee dat hy die kind gaan doodsteek met ‘n dolk en dan gaan onthoof, wat hy dan ook doen. Die dogtertjie het blykbaar gegil maar niemand anders buite die groepie het dit gehoor nie omdat die toordokter se perseel ‘n entjie weg van ander inwoners geleë was. Daarbenewens was die inwoners gewoond aan gille vanuit die toordokter se kompleks en sou hulle, hulle waarskynlik nie daaraan gesteur het nie omdat hy ‘n toordokter was en gereeld met een of ander brousel besig was. Vrees vir die toordokter sou hul ook nie toelaat om in te meng nie. Hulle kon self getoor word en in ’n padda of wat ookal verander. Dit is grieselrige rituele wat hul by die toordokter se kompleks afspeel. Nadat die kind doodgesteek en onthoof het, sny hy haar hart uit asof hy gewoond daaraan is. Hy sit die hart en later die brein in ‘n aparte skottel vir sy eie gebruik. Hy sny ook die hande en voete af en plaas dit in ‘n aparte skottel Volgens die oom se bekentenis het die toordokter die oorblywende liggaamsdele in ’n drom geplaas. Die liggaamsdele is toe gekook om ‘n brousel te maak. Hierdie ritueel het die hele nag lank geduur. 24 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Die hande en voete is ook in ‘n aparte houer gekook om die vleis te verwyder. Die toordokter het daarna die hande en voete se beendere afsonderlik in ‘n houer fyn gekap en vergruis. Die voete wat vergruis is het hy toe aan die oom gegee met die opdrag dat dié verpoeierde stof op die paadjie na sy winkel gestrooi moes word en dat dit dan “voete” (kliënte) na sy winkel sou lok. Die verpoeierde hande is aan die mielieboer gegee met die opdrag om dit oor sy lappie mielies te strooi om ‘n goeie oes te verseker. Die gekookte brousel is eweneens tussen hulle verdeel met die opdrag dat hul dit aan hul blyplekke moes gaan smeer om seker te maak die “moetie” werk kragtig en om onheil van ander toordokters af te weer. Ek vermoed dat hul ook van die brousel gedrink het en hulle aan kannibalisme skuldig gemaak het. Wat ’n grieselrige storie! Die oorblywende beendere en die rokkie van die kind het die toordokter in ‘n groen kombers toegedraai en in die Choberivier gaan versteek. ‘n Flater want honde sou dit later uitsnuffel. Met die lykskouing was die oorblywende bene spierwit en het ons vir mekaar gesê dit lyk asof dit gekook is. Min het ons op daardie stadium geweet dat dit waar sou wees. Met die oom se bekentenis tot ons beskikking word die toordokter asook die mielieboer gearresteer. Die toordokter was ‘n harde neut om te kraak en wou eenvoudig niks erken nie. Ongeag die intensiteit van die ondervraging. Sy enigste kommentaar was dat sy moetie sterker was as enigiets wat ons teen hom kon inbring. Die mielieboer was makliker om te ondervra en hy vou eenvoudig voor die ondervraging. Hy lê ook ‘n bekentenis af wat min of meer dié van die oom bevestig. Al drie word onder andere van moord aangekla. Ek was van mening dat ons ’n sterk saak gehad, saam met aanvullende verklarings van onder andere die moeder van die slagoffer en die persoon wat die kombers met liggaamsdele in die Choberivier gevind het. Dit was egter nie die einde van die drama rondom hierdie saak nie. Die patoloog is ’n goeie vriend van die Afdelings-Speuroffisier (bekend as Kolonel Skankwaan van die duine) en deel hom mee dat hy met die lykskouing bevind het dat die bene wat in ‘n kombers toegedraai en in die rivier gevind is, die beendere van twee afsonderlike kinders was, naamlik die van die sesjarige slagoffer en die van ‘n elfjarige kind. Volgens hom is die liggaam gekook totdat alle vleis van die bene afgeval het. Drama op drama. Die volgende oomblik daag die betrokke Speurhoof vergesel van nog ‘n speurder by die stasie op om na die dossier en ondersoek te kom kyk. Volgens die patoloog was daar dus minstens twee kinders betrokke. Die ondersoek word opnuut bekyk. Ons het probeer vasstel of daar enige ander kinders is wat weggeraak het in die betrokke omgewing. Daar is nooit ander kinders as vermis aangegee nie en niemand het geweet van nog ‘n kind wat soek was nie. Die beendere van twee kinders in die betrokke kombers was ‘n raaisel. Nog was dit nie die einde van dié verhaal nie. Die aanklaer besluit om die mielieboer as staatsgetuie met die nodige vrywaring teen vervolging te gebruik sou hy bevredigend in die staat se saak getuig. Hy lieg egter so, weerspreek sy eie bekentenis en pleeg meineed op meineed. Hy sou later afsonderlik op moord en meineed vervolg word. Al drie word aan moord skuldig bevind en die mielieboer ook aan meineed. Suidwes-Afrika was op daardie stadium sterk op pad na onafhanklikheid en die doodstraf word nie meer opgelê nie. Hulle word egter gevangenisstraf van tussen 18 tot 25 jaar opgelê. Ek vermoed egter ook dat hul straf na onafhanklikheid verminder is. 25 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Die allesoorheersende invloed van die toordokter in die Bos is ‘n werklikheid en iets wat in die westerse beskawing nie altyd begryp word nie.

• Die toordokter se “moeti” laat Forensies kopkrap Een Maandagoggend in April 1981 so teen half nege se kant kom ‘n plaaslike inwoner, ‘n jong man van so 19 jaar oud, uitasem by die Polisiekantoor ingehardloop en rapporteer dat ‘n toordokter die indoena, of dan die hoofman van hul statjie getoor het en dat hy kort daarna dood neergeslaan het. Dit klink na ‘n moord en Adjudant-Offisier Johann Bacher en nog ‘n ondersoekbeampte vertrek kort daarna na die statjie, ‘n klein nedersetting so 45 kilometer vanaf die Polisiestasie, langs die Linyanti-meer in die Oos-Caprivi. Die Linyanti-meer stam uit die Linyantirivier wat eintlik die verlenging van die Kwandorivier is wat later teen die Botswanagrens die Choberivier word. Met aankoms by die statjie vind Johann Bacher ‘n groot geraas soos mense skreeu en sien dat die plaaslike inwoners, ‘n groepie van so 40 mense, mans, vroue en kinders, eenkant saamgebondel het en dat ’n ander bejaarde man eenkant staan wat later blyk die toordokter te wees. Langs hom op die grond lê ‘n liggaam, die oorledene. Die inwoners is uiters aggressief en dreig daar en dan om die toordokter te gryp en hom te “halssnoer” en lewendig te verbrand. Wat sy bas op daardie stadium gered het was die feit dat hy ‘n toordokter was en gedreig het dat hy enige een wat nader beweeg, eweneens gaan toor en dat hul ook dood sou neerslaan. Die inwoners het, feitlik deur die bank, ‘n absolute vrees vir die toordokter en sy magiese kragte, maar spreek hom tog gereeld wanneer hul dit nodig ag. Johann Bacher slaag daarin om die gemoedere te kalmeer en beheer van die toneel oor te vat. Die toordokter erken dadelik, openlik en sonder dat daar enige druk op hom uitgeoefen word, dat hy vir die oorledene se dood verantwoordelik was. Hy deel Johann Bacher mee dat hy die oorledene genooi het om by hom ‘n biertjie ‘n te kom drink omdat hy gehoor het dat die oorledene ‘n ander toordokter se hulp ingeroep het om hom met sy liefdeslewe te help en dit met hom wou bespreek. Elke toordokter het sy eie gebied en word daar nie sondermeer met ‘n ander toordokter se jurisdiksie ingemeng nie. Dit was ontoelaatbaar. Die hoofman het toe ook baie vroeg daardie oggend van sy dood, so teen vyfuur by hom opgedaag en het hul vrede gemaak en om dit te vier, sou hul ‘n biertjie, eintlik maar ‘n tuis gebroude brousel saam drink, en die vredespyp rook. Volgens die toordokter se eie vertelling het hy, die toordokter, toe vir hul elkeen ‘n biertjie in ‘n blikbeker geskink en het hul lekker saam gekuier. So 20 minute later het hy, die toordokter, die oorledene meegedeel dat hy wat die toordokter is, hom getoor het en dat hy dood sou neerslaan. Weens die absolute en allesoorheersende vrees vir ‘n toordokter, het die arme hoofman in sweet en angs uitgeslaan en inderdaad 20 minute later self inmekaar gesak en gesterf. Op Johann Bacher se vraag hoe hy dan die oorledene getoor het, haal die toordokter ewe gedwee ‘n blik uit waarin ‘n vuilerige en gryskleurige poeier is en oorhandig dit aan Johann Bacher saam met ‘n houer bier. Volgens sy verduideliking het hy van sy sterk “moetie” in die oorledene se bier gegooi, en al wat toe verder nodig was, was om die oorledene mee te deel dat hy sou sterf. Volgens hom het sy “krag” as toordokter met hierdie woorde ingeskop en het die oorlede dan ook kort daarna doodgeslaan. Die toordokter word meegedeel dat hy as verdagte op ‘n klagte van moord gearresteer word. Die toordokter is ewe rustig en kalm, klaarblyklik min gepla oor sy arrestasie en deel Johann Bacher mee dat sy “kragte” sterker is as enige iets anders en dat hy nie bang is nie omdat sy “moetie” 26 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

hom sal beskerm. Daar word gereël dat die liggaam na die lykshuis by die hospitaal afgevoer word. Geen druk is op die toordokter uitgeoefen om sy betrokkenheid en aanspreeklikheid te erken nie. Hy word later dieselfde dag na die Landdros geneem om ‘n bekentenis af te lê. Hy hou by sy storie aan Johann Bacher en ons voorsien nie enige probleme met dié betrokke saak nie. Met sy bekentenis tot ons beskikking het dit gelyk na ‘n maklike saak en word hy aangekla op ‘n klagte van moord. Daar word met die Forensiese Patologiese Laboratorium in Windhoek gereël om die lykskouing op Katima Mulilo te kom doen. Die poeier en bier waarop beslag gelê is, word na die S.A. Polisie se Forensiese Laboratorium in Pretoria gestuur vir ontleding, vergesel van ’n volledige verslag. Die Patoloog uit Windhoek moet weer met ‘n huurvlug kom en die vliegtuig wag op die lughawe om hom na die lykskouing weer na Windhoek terug te vlieg. Ons wag geduldig vir die Forensiese uitslag wat ek gedink het baie gou beskikbaar sou wees. Ons word slegs per brief in kennis gestel dat die forensiese ontleding nog aandag geniet. Na twee maande word ons van die uitslag van die forensiese ontleding in kennis gestel. Die laboratorium stel ons in kennis dat die poeierstof van onbekende oorsprong is en geensins gif van enige aard nie. Hulle bevinding word deur ‘n ander onafhanklike laboratorium bevestig. Met dié verslag word die mat bykans onder ons voete uitgeruk. Ons sit met ‘n baie goeie bekentenis en ‘n positiewe forensiese uitslag sou ons saak versterk om ‘n skuldigbevinding te verkry. Die toordokter (nou die beskuldigde) word ingetrek en vir die doeleindes van verdere ondersoek en om onduidelikhede uit te sorteer, spesifiek uitgevra na die oorsprong van die gif. Ons weet reeds dat dit die boombas van ‘n spesifieke boom is en besluit om monsters van die betrokke boom se bas en blare vir verdere ontleding te verkry. Hy stem in om ons te help en te gaan wys waar dié betrokke boom in die Caprivi voorkom. ‘n Verklaring word van die toordokter verkry waarin hy verklaar dat hy ons vrywilliglik en goedgunstiglik van dié inligting sal voorsien om te voorkom dat hy later in die hof kan beweer dat daar dwang op hom uitgeoefen is of mislei is. Sonder dat hy enigsins ingelig is dat die forensiese ondersoek daarop dui dat dit nie gif is nie, begin hy, toe die bykomende verklaring afgeneem word, lag en verklaar vol selfvertroue: “Die witman ken nie van die gif nie”. Monsters word van die boombas, die hout van dié boom en blare geneem en weer aan die Forensiese Laboratorium gestuur saam met foto’s van die boom hoe dit in sy natuurlike staat lyk. Die Forensiese Laboratorium stel ons na bykans nog twee maande in kennis dat die boom uitgeken is as inheems aan die Caprivi en dat ‘n biochemikus van ‘n onafhanklike laboratorium, bevestig het dat dit bekend is dat Bosmans ‘n pasta uit die boombas gemaak het en aan hul pyle gesmeer het wat hul op hul jagtogte gebruik het. Tog is dit bekend dat die Bosmans die diere wat met dié pyle gejag is, se vleis geëet het en het niks oorgekom nie. Niemand weet presies hoe die boombas (as sogenaamde gifstof) dan die dood veroorsaak nie. Bassies is dit nie gif nie. (Ek beskik nie meer oor die wetenskaplike naam van die betrokke boom nie omdat dié dokumentasie in die dossier geliasseer is en ek nie ‘n kopie van dié verslag gehou het nie.) Die Forensiese Laboratorium verwittig ons dat hul van die monsters na ‘n Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) laboratorium in Amerika gestuur het vir verdere ontleding en moontlike insig hoe dié bas (wat net so nie gif is nie), die dood kan veroorsaak. ‘n Hofsaak wat ek gedink het binne ‘n maand of twee in die hof afgehandel kon word is nou onbepaald uitgerek. Dié ondersoek deur die FBI word egter vinniger afgehandel as wat ek gedink het en hul verslag word na sowat ses weke ontvang. Daarvolgens is die boombas, hout van die boom en blare as sulks nie gif nie. Die teorie en aanduiding is egter dat dié bas, indien dit deur die slagoffer ingeneem word, en daar op een of ander manier spanning (stres) op die slagoffer geplaas sou word, dit een of ander chemiese reaksie in die ingewande van die betrokke persoon te weeg sou bring, wat dan uiters dodelik kon wees. Dit is dan hoe dit klaarblyklik werk: Die Bosmans volg die dier wat gejag is en 27 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

plaas dit onder stres wat dan die dood veroorsaak. Dieselfde het blykbaar met die toordokter se slagoffer gebeur. Weens sy absolute vrees vir ‘n toordokter was dit maklik om hom onder stres te plaas deur hom mee te deel dat hy getoor is en gaan sterf. Die dood word dus veroorsaak deur die chemiese reaksie wat in sy liggaam ontstaan. Die Forensiese Laboratorium het onderneem om die teorie op skape en varke te toets waarvan die weefsel baie “naby” aan dié van menslike oorsprong is. Ek het egter die Caprivi met permanente verplasing verlaat voordat die Forensiese Laboratorium se toetsuitslae in dié verband beskikbaar was, en weet dus nie wat hul bevinding was nie. Ek neem egter aan dat dié toetse die teorie sou bevestig. Ek het agterna ook gewonder op watter wyse die Laboratorium te werk sou gaan, veral om dié diere onder stres te plaas. Ek weet wel dat ‘n skuldigbevinding verkry is en dat die toordokter tot 15 jaar gevangenisstraf gevonnis is wat ek vermoed later na Namibië se onafhanklikheid verkort is. Die tydperk wat die toordokter alreeds in aanhouding verkeer het, is met vonnisoplegging in aanmerking geneem. ‘n Baie interessante en unieke geval wat ‘n paar kinkels opgelewer het nadat ons gedink het dat dit sommer vinnig in die hof afgehandel sou word. TOE ONS NOG HOEDE GEDRA HET ... TOE DAAR NET EEN BRIGADIER IN DIE WWR WAS ...

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MOORD EN ROOF: NO 18211 KAPT FRIK LA GRANGE, KPM, SOO HBH • 1966

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• 1959: QPM

Bron: Terry King – Gallantry Awards of the South African Police 1913 - 1994

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• 1971: Kapt Frik la Grange: ‘n Man met Karakter

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BLITSPATROLLIE

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GENL IP DE VILLIERS: POLISIEBRIGADE: NOORD-AFRIKA

NATAL POLICE: PORT SHEPSTONE

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1971: AO L HOLDER: SAP LADYSMITH RUGBYKLUB:

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1922: GOLD & DIAMOND STAFF: JOHANNESBURG

CAPE POLICE: BAAKENS RIVER

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FORMER PRESIDENT FW DE KLERK AND THE SADF, SAP & SSC Dave Steward THE GOOD THAT MEN DO… By Dave Steward, Chairman of the FW de Klerk Foundation Predictably, FW de Klerk’s death - just before 11:00 am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month - unleashed a storm of comment. While the silent majority was, on the whole, sympathetic - rightand left-wing extremists and much of the woke mainstream media were vitriolic in their criticism. Free from the tethers of fact, or the need for objective research, De Klerk’s critics could - and did say anything they liked. Much of it was simply hateful: he was “a killer”; he was about to be charged for the murders of the Craddock Four; and he never really apologised for apartheid. The trouble is that in the absence of continual and laborious refutation, such fabrications, if repeated frequently enough, eventually congeal into the accepted version of “the truth” - even for some who may have been sympathetic to De Klerk. So, once more unto the breach, … According to his critics De Klerk bore the indelible stain of having been a leading member of former apartheid governments; he had participated in State Security Council (SSC) meetings that had ordered the killing of activists; and he had not initiated transformation because of “the goodness of his heart”, but because he had been forced to do so by the armed struggle and a collapsing economy. He was also accused, once again, of never having apologised unconditionally for apartheid by critics who then went on to spurn, with undisguised contempt, his obviously sincere posthumous apology. In fact, De Klerk apologised for apartheid on numerous occasions - and most notably to the TRC on 14 May 1997. He apologised “in his capacity as Leader of the National Party to the millions of South Africans • who suffered the wrenching disruption of forced removals in respect of their homes, businesses and land; • who over the years suffered the shame of being arrested for pass law offences; • who over the decades - and indeed, centuries - suffered the indignities and humiliation of racial discrimination; • who for a long time were prevented from exercising their full democratic rights in the land of their birth; • who were unable to achieve their full potential because of job reservation; and • who in any way suffered as a result of discriminatory legislation and policies. “This renewed apology is offered in a spirit of true repentance in full knowledge of the tremendous harm that apartheid has done to millions of South Africans.” De Klerk’s association with apartheid and its abolition was long and difficult continuum. As a young man, in another time and another world, he thought that separate development and the evolution of independent black states offered a solution to at least part of South Africa’s problems. During the 1980s, although he administered apartheid legislation, he participated actively in PW Botha’s reforms. He opened the way to non-racial sport and repealed the notorious Immorality and Mixed Marriages acts. He led the process that ousted Andries Treurnicht and his conservative followers from the National Party (NP). 47 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Throughout the tumultuous 1980s he and his cabinet colleagues wrestled with the moral dilemma of apartheid and the very real existential threats involved in dismounting the tiger of white minority rule. Their fears included the loss of what most Afrikaners still regarded as their historic right to self-determination; the future of minorities in a black majority society; post-colonial chaos in Africa; and the pervasive influence of the SACP within the ANC. De Klerk dedicated his presidency to repealing all remaining apartheid legislation and to the negotiation of a new non-racial constitution. He did so with determination and conviction. On 17 June 1991, when the last apartheid laws were scrapped, he said that “the votes that have just taken place … finally brought to an end an era in which the lives of every South African were affected in the minutest detail by racially-based legislation. Now, everybody is free of it. Now, everybody is rid of the restrictions resulting from that racially based legislation. Everybody is free as well from the disparagement and denial which so often were the consequences of the legislation we are repealing. And everybody is liberated from the moral dilemma caused by this legislation which was born and nurtured under different circumstances in a departed era.” By December 1993, with the adoption of the Interim Constitution, the process was complete. Charges that De Klerk participated in State Security Council (SSC) decisions to kill activists are fabricated from wilful misinterpretations of one or two ambiguous references sifted from mountains of SSC documentation - or from the testimony of such pillars of veracity as Eugene de Kock. They are simply untrue. De Klerk was never part of PW Botha’s securocrat inner circle - and was not even a permanent member of the SSC. In his autobiography, Niel Barnard (former National Intelligence head) refers disapprovingly to De Klerk’s impatience and reluctant involvement in SSC meetings - and likened him to a schoolboy in church who would rather be outside playing. In his 2006 book “Rabble Rouser for Peace”, Archbishop Tutu’s biographer, John Allen, acknowledged that “no evidence was ever forthcoming implicating De Klerk in violence.” He writes of the TRC’s “frustration” at its failure to “pin responsibility for violations of human rights on de Klerk” and acknowledges “the embarrassing weakness of its finding against him.” If there had been any evidence that De Klerk was involved in gross violations of human rights, the TRC - with all its investigators, with its clear intent, and with full access to SSC documentation would certainly have made such a finding. Subsequently, when he became President, De Klerk took decisive steps to normalise the role of the security forces and to get to the root of persistent media reports regarding ‘third force’ activities: • he called together the senior officers of the Police and SADF and ordered them to limit themselves strictly to their statutory roles; • he dismantled the National Management System (that had acted as a parallel securocrat administration during Botha’s presidency); • he appointed the Harms and Goldstone Commissions - and gave Goldstone all the support that he needed; • following the Inkathagate revelations, he instructed the Kahn Commission to terminate any questionable secret projects; and • in November 1992, he appointed General Pierre Steyn to investigate Goldstone’s allegations regarding the CCB. He took draconian action after Steyn reported on continuing aberrations within some SADF units. 48 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

What could De Klerk possibly have gained from instigating - or turning a blind eye - to “third force” violence - as the ANC repeatedly charged? Continuing violence posed the greatest threat to the negotiation process on which he had irrevocably staked his presidency and his whole political career. De Klerk did not deny responsibility for the actions of his government. He told the TRC that he “accepted overall responsibility for the period of my leadership and together with the Cabinet and the State Security Council, accepted joint responsibility for all the decisions that we took and the instructions that we gave, including all authorised actions and operations executed in terms of a reasonable interpretation of such instructions.” This included responsibility for the botched SADF raid on a supposed APLA target in Umtata in October 1993 in which five teenagers were killed. The raid was intended to deter further APLA attacks against civilians in South Africa - following the killing of 12 worshippers in St James Church in Cape Town. What De Klerk could not accept was responsibility for actions that were taken by rogue security force elements that were in direct contravention of his orders, and that were aimed at derailing the negotiations and at undermining his presidency. Neither was De Klerk “forced” to initiate the constitutional transformation process. As he told the Cape Town Press Club on 5 October last year, he launched the negotiations at the beginning of 1990 - “not because we were weak - but because we were far stronger than we had been for years”: • by that time, following the restoration of order throughout South Africa, the ANC had accepted that it could not achieve victory through armed struggle; • the 1988 Tripartite Agreement between South Africa, Angola and Cuba eliminated South Africa’s main strategic threat by securing the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola in conjunction with the successful implementation of the UN independence plan for Namibia; • South Africa had survived its critical 1985 external debt crisis; • in November 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall signalled the collapse of Soviet Communism and left the SACP in disarray; and • despite serious problems - the economy was growing at 2,7%. Why is it so difficult to accept De Klerk’s statement that “…above all, we genuinely wanted to find a just and lasting solution to the vexatious problems that had divided us for generations. We wanted to create a better country for all our children”? Why is there such persistent and malevolent criticism of the man who, even his bitterest critics admit, played a key role in ending apartheid? The answer is that De Klerk’s critics wanted and needed him to be guilty of some or other gross violation of human rights. In their historic analysis - in which the revolutionary struggle represented all that was good, and the NP was the epitome of evil - it was unacceptable that any former NP leader should emerge from the past without some or other indelible moral stain. This would not gibe with Angie Motshekga’s view that all pre-1994 leaders should be depicted as “Folk Devils”. De Klerk’s role in abolishing apartheid and in transforming South Africa introduced disturbing shades of grey into the orthodox black/white, good/evil view of the past. It raised the possibility that South Africa’s recent history had, in fact, involved tortuous complexities and gradations of worthy intentions and moral accountability - on all sides. This was irreconcilable with the SACP’s “Colonialism of a Special Type” analysis upon which much of the NDR’s ideological superstructure had been constructed. It also jarred with Critical Race Theory and the notion of indelible “white guilt” that are currently the guiding doctrines of many “woke” journalists and commentators. 49 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Despite all this, De Klerk’s legacy will survive. His epitaph should, perhaps, be the following extract from his speech last year to the Cape Town Press: “None of us can determine the nature of the worlds into which we are born or the injustices that we inherit from the past. All that we can do is to wrestle with the political forces of our time and try to leave the world a freer, a more just and a better place than we found it.”

DIE EERSTE SP VAN DIE RSA: ADV CR SWART Die man wat ons aktes van kommissie geteken het ...

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1982: GEDENKPROGRAM: OUD-DEPOT PERSONEEL Kol Dawn Kellerman

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POLISIEBRIGADE Mev Annette Botha Goeiemiddag Hennie My gedagtes het die laaste tyd weer om Tobruk gedraai en die volgende vrae het by my opgekom. Daar is steeds vrae wat vir my onbeantwoord bly. Ek het reeds verskeie skrywes onder oë gekry en steeds bly ’n paar sake vir my onbeantwoord. ·

Hoe lank vanaf oorgawe in Tobruk tot na Italië het alles geduur?

Hoekom juis na Italië? Waar in Italië?

· Hoe lank was hulle in Italië voor hul na Duitslaand versit is en hoe lank het dit geduur? Ek herinner my daaraan dat my moeder ‘n skrywe gekry het – wat sy baie traumaties beleef het, asook my broer en susters – waarin hul meegedeel is dat daar reeds ses maande verloop het wat hul nie weet waar die krygsgevangenes hul bevind nie. Waar was hulle in hierdie periode? Het enigiemand boekgehou oor hierdie periode? Ek het ‘n paar maande gelede Cooper se boek gelees oor die Sesde Brigade, maar baie van hierdie fasette is nie daarin uiteengesit nie. Hoop jy kan lig werp. Groete Annette Botha (nee Mostert)

REPLY: LIEUTENANT COLONEL JEAN-PIERRE SCHERMAN Good afternoon, Brigadier After our last conversation I went back into my emails to see if I really did answer your mail. My apologies, for while I wrote an answer to the questions, the mail remained as a draft so I never sent it. Below then my comments on the questions as posed by Annette Botha: • Hoe lank vanaf oorgawe in Tobruk tot na Italië het alles geduur? The fall of Tobruk on Sunday 21 June 1942 caught the Axis powers as much by surprise as for the Allies. With Rommel capturing large stocks of fuel, he realized that he could continue his advance towards Egypt and the last thing he wanted or needed was to look after 33 000 POWs. Rommel consequently made the POWs his partners the Italians thus responsible for them. The Italians were even less prepared to hold, feed and transport all of these men, but a chance to beat on the much-hated English, after the whipping they had given the Italian Army in 1940-41 was too good an opportunity to pass up. The POWs of Tobruk were all rounded up at the aerodrome and as soon as the Italians were able, they began sending them back to Italy. (The answer to question 2). 67 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

For officers the wait was not too long. The Italians transported them by truck westwards down the coast to Derna or Benghazi and then flew them by plane over to Italy into hastily prepared camps. For the European soldiers, the journey to Italy took many possible routes. As transport became available the men were taken by truck to Derna, Benghazi or even Tripoli and then taken in horrid conditions in stinking Italian merchant ships across the sea to Italy. Entry into Italy was either from the west or the east… all depended on what ship you sailed on. Thus some landed on the west coast at Napoli and then found themselves serving in POW camps on the western side of Italy such as the camp in Rome or Tuscany. For the rest, entry was via the east coast port of Brindisi and POW camps in Bari or Foggia. For a select unlucky few, their camps were in North Africa (the worst of the worst) where they would remain for almost a year before the survivors were eventually taken to Italy as well. For Black and Coloured South African soldiers, most remained behind in North Africa, where they worked as slave labour on the docks or in other similar occupations. Men such as the famous Job Maseko who while working at the harbour in Tobruk blew up an enemy ship using a homemade bomb. Many of these men would later become POW / Labourers in France. •

Hoekom juis na Italië? Waar in Italië?

South African POWs were scattered all across Italy and I have notes of our men in over 30 different camps. POWs were also often moved around and any soldier under the rank of Sergeant could be forced to work for the Italians. Thus men found themselves working in factories and farms as far away as the island of Sardinia or in Milan or Torino for example. • Hoe lank was hulle in Italië voor hul na Duitslaand versit is en hoe lank het dit geduur? Ek herinner my daaraan dat my moeder ‘n skrywe gekry het – wat sy baie traumaties beleef het, asook my broer en susters – waarin hul meegedeel is dat daar reeds ses maande verloop het wat hul nie weet waar die krygsgevangenes hul bevind nie. Waar was hulle in hierdie periode? When the Allies invaded Sicily in September 1943 the Italians realised that the war had come to their doorstep. On 3 September 1943 Mussolini was arrested and the Italians signed a peace agreement with the Allies. For many of the POWs, they simply awoke to find their Italians guards gone. While many left their camps or tried to return back to own lines the vast majority (95%) remained in their camps. They were then shocked to find themselves after a few days surrounded by German Guards who had been rushed to Italy to take control of the POWs. The Germans in an attempt to keep the POWs from rejoining the war effort, quickly put all these men on huge trains and transported them over the Alps into Nazi Germany. Again SA POWs were all over the place from Strasbough in France all the way to the coal mines of Poland and Czechoslovakia. By 1945 with the Russian army on the edge of this territory, again in an attempt to keep the POWs out of Allied hands, the Germans marched all those men whose camps were in Poland westwards into Germany. It was in the middle of a bitterly cold winter and many POWs did not survive these death marches across Poland, sometimes over 500km long. Het enigiemand boekgehou oor hierdie periode? There are many SA POW accounts of this period, but Dr Karen Horns book “In Enemy Hands” deals with SA POWs of WW2. Hope this helps. Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Pierre Scherman: Faculty of Military Science (Military Academy) Stellenbosch University. 68 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Plaasaanvalle: Gedurende November 2021 was daar 17 plaasaanvalle en drie plaasmoorde in Suid-Afrika. Gedurende die maand van Oktober 2021 was daar 14 plaasaanvalle en drie plaasmoorde in die land.

DERDE PLAASAANVAL IN 24 UUR IN DIE VRYSTAAT Jan van Niekerk Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Jan van Niekerk VF Plus-provinsiale leier: Vrystaat 30 November 2021 Drie plaasaanvalle binne 24 uur in die Vrystaat maak dit opnuut duidelik dat landelike beveiliging nie ŉ prioriteit vir die ANC-regering is nie. In die jongste voorval is Christiaan van Tonder, ŉ jong boer van Lindley vermoor. Dit volg kort op ŉ aanval gisteraand op die Venter-gesin van Bothaville en die plaasmoord op Johan Prinsloo van Koppies. Danksy goeie samewerking tussen die gemeenskap, die polisie en veiligheidsnetwerke, is verdagtes wat met van die aanvalle verbind word, in hegtenis geneem. Om hierdie soort misdaad te bekamp, is dit belangrik dat die polisie se landelike beveiligingsplan effektief in werking gestel word en polisiekantore met die nodige hulpbronne toegerus word. Die VF Plus doen opnuut ‘n ernstige beroep op boere en landelike gemeenskappe om self ook veiligheidsmeganismes in plek te stel om hul veiligheid te verseker. Die party sal waar moontlik hulp verleen om die skuldiges op te spoor om toe te sien dat geregtigheid vir die slagoffers geskied. Die VF Plus spreek sy innige meegevoel uit met die slagoffers se familie en geliefdes en wens die Venter-gesin ŉ spoedige herstel toe. Navrae: 083 743 2042

1979: Mowbray Police Station Etienne du Plessis

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KAPT SL ‘FANIE’ VAN VUUREN Op 5 Desember 1983, net 5 dae na my laaste matriek eksamen vraestel, word ek ingesweer by die Suid Afrikaanse Polisie Mag. (38 jaar gelede) Kaptein Kriel was die werwingsoffisier by John Vorster-plein en hy het my by die skool kom sien en al die nodige dokumentasie vooraf afgehandel. Ek het toe by die kaserne ingetrek en daar gewoon totdat ek kollege toe is in Januarie 1984. Ek was in peloton 11. Sersant Willie Strydom was pel.-sersant en sers Moss was PTI. A/O Siebrits was Bravo-komp se komp bevelvoerder. Ons was ook die beste peloton van die semester. Na my kollege opleiding het ek agtergebly vir die 6 weke Spesiale Wageenheid opleiding. Daar het ons behoorlik klippe gekou, maar het dit geniet veral die elke tweede dag se skietoefeninge. Na die Wageenheid het ek op die volgende stasies gewerk: • Alberton / Mayberry Park (1986/87) • Primrose (1988) word bevorder na sersant • Edenvale (1988/1989) • Tzaneen en Tzaneen DK (1990) • Duiwelskloof (1991-1993) word bevorder na A/O • Hillbrow Kapelane as Jeugwerker (1994 -1997) word bevorder na kaptein. (Sal later 'n kort getuienis gee hoe die Here my daar gebruik het en hoe ek die pos gekry het. Ek was die tweede Jeugwerker wat aangestel was in die Polisie) • •

Area Johannesburg 1997 - 2003 MHB en Sosiale Misdaad Voorkoming. Brackendowns 2004 - 2007 waar ek bedank het nadat die Here my geroep het vir Sy voltydse diens.

As ek nou terugkyk weet ek dat dit die regte besluit was. By Brackendowns was ek ook die skakeloffisier en het baie nou saam met die media gewerk. Die verslaggewer het my gereeld besoek en kon ons die beeld van die polisie in die plaaslike gemeenskap positief bevorder het. Een van die eerste projekte wat ek geloods toe ek daar gekom het was om al die kleuterskole uit te nooi na die stasie waar ons die kinders se vingerafdrukke geneem het en by McDonald’s vir hul 'n hamburger en koeldrank geborg het. Dit was ook by Brackendowns waar ek my grootste arrestasie alleen uitgevoer het, toe ek 4 gewapende bankrowers ge-arresteer het wat by 'n bank ingebreek het en die personeel gyselaar gehou het. Ek het daarna 'n R10 000 beloning ontvang asook 'n mooi sertifikaat vir getroue diens gelewer. Ek kon die beskermende hand van die Here oor my ervaar het daardie dag. Ek gee aan die Here al die eer dat Hy my geroep het om op 'n baie jong ouderdom by die polisie te kon aansluit het en dat ek by verskeie gemeenskappe kon gedien het. My lekkerste tyd in die polisie was toe ek in Hillbrow gewerk het en mede-lede kon gedien het. • En daarom dat ek die "Police for Christ" : https://www.facebook.com/Police-for-Christ-1612805008971879/ • asook "Adopt A Cop SA" : https://www.facebook.com/AdoptACopSouthAfrica/ 70 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

bewegings begin het en daarmee sal voortgaan totdat Jesus ons kom haal. Hieronder 'n paar koerant berigte.

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WOMEN IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE Brig Duveen Botha (Via Kol Dawn Kellerman)

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BEDEELD OF GESTRAF Alias “KOD Brooklyn” Ware speurverhale – name van almal is om verstaanbare redes verwyder. Dis eers na die tweede klop dat kaptein Bertus du Toit agter kom daar’s iemand by die deur. Hy was so verdiep in die moorddossier dat hy nie die sagte klop aan sy kantoordeur gehoor het nie. “Goeie môre kan ek help ? “ “Die mense in die aanklagkantoor het gesê ek moet met u praat …. Daar’s nie veel hoop nie het hulle gesê”. Voor Bertus staan die mooiste meisie wat hy in sy dag des lewens gesien het. Blond, vol rondings en kurwes op al die regte plekke, perfek. Moet seker ‘n model wees kom die gedagte by hom op. Trane lê vlak in die diep blou oë haar sensuele lippe bewe effens. Bertus voel uit sy gemaksone in die teenwoordigheid van hierdie pragtige meisie. “Sit, dan….dan vertel jy my wat pla”. Sy neem plaas in die stoel voor sy lessenaar. “Meneer” sê sy. “My ouers kry swaar op die plaas. Hulle het vir my R200.00 hierdie week gestuur en dis vanoggend uit my beursie gesteel. Vir my is dit baie geld.” Bertus kry die meisie baie jammer. As dit nie vir die karige salaris is wat hy in die polisie verdien nie het hy nou sweerlik die geld vir die meisie gegee. Hy vertel haar hoe moeilik dit is as kontant gesteel is. Dat dit onmoontlik is sonder die reeksnommers en dan moet jy die verwisseling van hande ook bewys. Hy neem nie te min van haar ‘n verklaring wetende dat dit maar net nog een by die statistiek van onopgeloste sake sal wees. Nadat sy weg is kyk hy weer na die persoonlike besonderhede van die klaagster. Anel Verwey, 24jaar oud, Huis Malva, Universiteit Pretoria. Hy staar nog ‘n rukkie daarna voordat hy die dossier eenkant sit om later te registreer en die dossier maar aan hom self toe te wys. Twee weke later is hy verras om Anel weer te sien. “Meneer “ begin sy weer. Hy wens sy wil op hou met die ge-meneer hy het hom mos as Bertus aan haar voorgestel. “Ek het vergeet om te sê my Edgars en Foscinis kaarte was ook in my beursie. Dit is ook gesteel. Nou’s daar aankope op beide kaarte gedoen”. Bertus plaas die rekenings van die aankope in die betrokke dossier en stap saam met Anel na buite. Met ‘n: “Toemaar jong moenie bekommerd wees nie ek sal my bes doen.” Probeer hy haar moed inpraat as hulle groet. Dit is met ‘n diepe skuldgevoel dat Bertus na ‘n week weer die dossier van Anel opneem en tot die besef kom dat hy nog niks gedoen het nie. Hy besluit dat hy vandag aan die saak aandag sal gee. By Edgars in Kerkstraat doen hy navraag en word meegedeel dat die aankope by kassier 13 gedoen is en dat dit Yardley kosmetiese produkte is. Natuurlik kan die winkel assistent nie ‘n 77 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

beskrywing van die klant gee nie. Hy vervies hom sommer toe die assistent hom vra of sy van al die honderde mense wat daar koop ‘n beskrywing moet kan gee. Terug op kantoor skakel hy Anel en versoek haar om vas te stel wie in die koshuis op haar vloer Yardley produkte gebruik. Dit neem nie lank voordat sy laat weet dat daar sewe meisies is wat die produk gebruik maar dat dit beslis nie een van hulle kan wees nie. Die volgende dag by Foscinis bars die verkoopsdame uit van die lag. “Wat is so snaaks”? Vra Bertus vererg. “Meneer” antwoord sy. “Ek kan die geval baie goed onthou” Haar oë trek plooie soos sy lag. “Die meisie het ‘n 40D half cup bra gevra.” “Ja en ?” wil Bertus weet toe die verkoopsdame verleë onderdeur glimlag. “Meneer weet jy hoe groot is ‘n 40D bra? Blykbaar nie. Wel dis heelwat groter as normaal. Sy kon nie ‘n vol bra in haar grote by ons kry nie en het die half cup ter ondersteuning gekoop” Dit is nou Bertus wat sy lag nie kan hou nie. In sy agterkop sien hy egter lig. Hy groet beleef en skakel Anel daar en dan. Hy is verlig om te hoor dat sy die oggend nie klas het nie. Bertus verwonder hom aan die mooi stem toe Anel antwoord. Hy neem ‘n rukkie voordat hy praat en haar die storie vertel. Dan vra hy: “Anel, verskoon die vraag maar wie by julle het so ‘n paar borste?” Hy voel teleurgesteld toe sy hom meedeel dat daar beslis nie so ‘n persoon in die koshuis is nie. Net toe hy dink dat hy ‘n deurbraak in die saak gemaak het. Drie dae later daag Anel weer by Bertus se kantoor op. Sy verwittig hom dat alles nou vir haar in plek val. Ook onthou sy nou van Michelle Britz wat die dag saam, met haar vriende in haar kamer was toe hul die vraestelle bespreek het en sy het so ‘n paar groot borste. Anel deel Bertus mee dat Michelle nie in die koshuis bly nie maar in ‘n losieshuis in die stad. Die volgende môre voor werk klop Bertus aan die deur van Michelle se buitekamer. Sonder om te vra wie dit is maak sy die deur oop. Bertus se oë is vasgenael op die groot boesem. Voor hom staan ‘n meisie in slegs ‘n bra en kort mini rompie. Dit is duidelik dat sy een van haar vriendinne verwag het. Sy maak verskoning en vlug die badkamer in. Bertus merk die Yardley produkte op die klein tafeltjie langs haar bed op. Nadat Bertus homself voorgestel het val hy met die deur in die huis. Michelle ontken die aantygings ten sterkte. “Kom” laat Bertus van hom hoor. “Kom dat ek jou na Edgars en Foscinis toe vat dat hulle jou kan uit ken. Want die beskrywing wat hulle my gegee het is beslis jy” Waag Bertus ‘n skoot in die donker. Die meisie verdwyn weer in die badkamer om klaar te maak. ‘n Geruime tyd wag Bertus vir haar voordat hy aan die deur klop. “Kom nou jong jy mors my tyd”, laat hy van hom hoor. Die deur swaai oop en die snikkende meisie laat Bertus ongemaklik voel.

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“Meneer”, sê sy sag. “Ek weet nie wat my besiel het nie. My ouers is skatryk ons het nie geld nodig nie. Ek is finale jaar siviele ingenieurs student. Daar is maar net ‘n paar van ons. Hulle gaan my uit die universiteit skors”. Borrel dit snikkend oor haar lippe. By die kantoor ontbied hy Anel. Michelle onderneem om alles terug te betaal. Beide is verheug om te verneem dat Bertus nooit die saak geregistreer het nie. ‘n Maand later wonder Bertus wie hy na die polisiebal kan vra. Hy tel die telefoon op en skakel. Die eerste jaar op telefoondiens onderneem om haar te gaan roep. Toe sy hoor dis hy maak sy of sy hom glad nie ken nie. “Bertus wie ?” wil sy weet Sy lag ondeund en antwoord dan: “Ja Bertie…. uh ... Bertus ek sal saam met jou gaan.”

VEEDIEFSTAL-EENHEID SAP MUSEUM

EK VERSTAAN, MY VRIEND...! Kol Corrie Prinsloo Aan my makkers... wie ook die pad gestap het. Maak nie saak of jy in die Weermag of die Polisie op die Grens was nie... Ek het een oggend 'n paar jaar gelede deur my ou, amptelike dagboeke geblaai op soek na 'n gebeurtenis lank gelede vir verwysingsdoeleindes, en toe op hierdie gediggie afgekom. Netjies toegevou in 'n A4 papier, in my eie handskrif. En ek het onthou... want die dag toe ek dit geskryf het jare gelede net ná amalgamasie van die RSA polisiedienste, het ek gelees van 'n makker iewers aan die worstel met sy omstandighede. Het dit vir hom gefaks terwyl hy aan die ander kant gewag het daarvoor. Hy was worstelend met homself iewers in Namibië, my Heimat. Trots, stil en vasgevang in sy eie nagmerries. Vandag reeds in Valhalla, wagtend vir die res van ons... sy makkers in die ou oorlogsone van Ovamboland! Ek het vergeet daarvan... tog, dit het my destyds ook gehelp om oor my eie Rubicon te kom! Ek deel dit graag - nou nie 'n meesterstuk nie, maar dit was uit die hart neergepen... 79 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

EK VERSTAAN, MY VRIEND...! In 'n eensame hoekie, stilstarend na niks, Sit hy en peins oor dae, so lank al terug Moeg in liggaam maar in gees nog fiks ... Verlang hy eensaam, met 'n hartseer sug. Die kroeg se klanke is strelend en rustend sag, Tog, alleen wag hy maar steeds soos altyd Vir 'n vriend uit mistige gisters se nagwag ... Om te gesels of net te lag, om nooit te verwyt. Maar hy sal jou nooit ooit beledig, sy trots is diep in sy hart versprei. Sy land met sy bloed het hy verdedig! Hy is 'n vegter... 'n makker van my! Oor die jare heen het hy met trots vorentoe gebeur, Sy familie, vrou en kinders steeds in innerlike sig Sy deel gebring sonder om hom ooit te steur ... Aan die skade deur ons gekoopte leiers gerig. Nou voel hy die pyn aan sy roeping en trots, Verkoop deur die stelsel, verswaar in die smet Die vele valse beloftes verbrokkel die ewige rots ... Waarop hy sy hoop in soveel geloof gevorm het. Maar hy sal jou nooit ooit beledig, sy trots is diep in sy hart versprei. Sy land met sy bloed het hy verdedig! Hy is 'n vegter... 'n makker van my! ############################## Jy was 'n vegter... inderdaad! SALUUT...!

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SAP HAMMANSKRAAL POLISIEKOLLEGE

1940: BETHULIE: MAGISTRAAT EN SA POLISIE

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1916: SAP MONTAGU HBH

My buurman vir baie jare was Lt-kol Alwyn Kotze alias “Oom Koos” en hy was ‘n instelling in die SAP-kollege. Tydens die oorlogsjare het die kollege (SAP Depot) geen opleiding gedoen nie en is hy na Montagu gestuur. Hy het altyd laggend vertel, die “Ou Sersant” op Montagu het hom weer vertel: “Kosie my maat, daar is net twee klasse in die lewe: “First Class and No Class! Genl Stemmet het my eenmaal gewys waar hulle huis was en waar die McDonalds gewoon het – HBH.

Mnr AP Stemmet Aan Brig HB Heymans Beste Hennie, Soos jy kan sien word daar tans o.a. inligting oor die SAP in Montagu gesoek om vir die geskiedenis te bewaar. Ek wil graag iets byvoeg van Montagu - seuns wat op die een of ander wyse presteer het ... hoe range bereik het of op ‘n ander wyse presteer het. Ek weet van Le Roux Stemmet wat 'n Luit-genl geword het. Dan was daar ook twee McDonald 82 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

broers wat ek dink albei brigadiers geword het. Ek het ‘n paar jaar terug nog met een van hulle wat in Die Moot, Pretoria gewoon het, gepraat. Ek dink beide was in die VP.

• Konstabel Pieter Spreeth Dan soek ek ook inligting i.v.m. gebeure toe Konstabel Pieter Spreeth5 in die 19-sestigs ‘n medalje vir dapperheid gekry het. Terloops, hy was ‘n stiefbroer van my moeder. Kan jy of jou lesers van Nongqai dalk help? Groete. Adamus P Stemmet (AP): Durbanville

Hier is ‘n paar stukkies agtergrond My agtergrond: Ek was in Laatsrivier op skool en het in 1954 op Montagu matrikuleer. Ek het dadelik by Justisie aangesluit en op 15 Desember 1954 in die landdroskantoor begin werk. Dit was nog in die ou gebou.

• Polisie Montagu Die polisiestasie was soos aangedui in Retiefstraat reg oorkant die ou landdroskantoor waar ek begin werk het. Daardie jare het SERSANT die dorp regeer. Toe die kantoor opgradeer is na Adjudant Offisier-status en ‘n Hoofkonstabel, ene Pretorius (baie bekwaam en het later ‘n Genl.maj. geword), in die vyftigerjare na Montagu as stasiebevelvoerder verplaas is, kon die publiek nie verstaan dat ‘n konstabel, al was hy die hoof, hoër as hulle SERSANT was nie. Sersant se woord was wet. Toe my pa eenkeer probleme i.v.m. water lei ‘n buurman gehad het, gaan hy dorp toe om Prokureur Fouche te sien en advies te kry. Toe hy tuiskom, vertel hy my wat die prokureur gesê het. Toe ek hom vra of hy die advies gaan volg was sy antwoord : "Nee, ek wil eers hoor wat Sersant (Haupfleisch) sê en hy was nie vandag daar nie".

• Sersant Haupfleisch Sersant Haupfleisch wat ook ‘n goeie staatsaanklaer was, was legendaries. Landdros Van Greunen vertel my eenkeer die storie: Op ‘n plaas by Derdeheuwel was daar elke naweek probleme met ‘n man wat gedrink het en dan sy vrou en kinders mishandel het. Toe Sersant weer een aand uitgeroep op word, skei hy die man en vrou summier. Die meubeltjies, potte en panne, kortom alles, word gelykop verdeel. Toe kom die kinders aan die beurt. Daar was vier en hulle word ook gelykop verdeel. Die een wat nog oppad was, het nog nie getel nie en die vrou kon die enetjie by geboorte hou, het Sersant bepaal. Sersant waarsku hulle toe om ver uitmekaar te bly of anders sou daar vreeslike gevolge wees. Probleem opgelos. Landdros Van Greunen vertel my dat die twee n paar jaar later by die landdroskantoor opgedaag het met die versoek dat hy hulle moet trou. Hulle wys hom toe ‘n huweliksertifikaat maar sê dat hulle geskei is. Toe hy vir die skeibrief vra, se hulle dat hulle nie só iets het nie want Sersant het dit nie vir hulle gegee toe hy hulle geskei het nie! Hulle kon nie verstaan dat die landdros hulle nie weer wou trou nie want Sersant het hulle dan geskei!

• Landdroste Montagu (Nota: By die landdroskantoor is ‘n Distriksrekordboek. Die name van alle landdroste wat op Montagu gedien het, sal daarin wees.) Ek onthou die volgende landdroste: 5

No 23599 PMA Spreeth – ster vir verdienste

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AJJ van Niekerk: "Forty Five" was sy bynaam omdat hy altyd sy kop skeef gedraai het as hy aandagtig geluister het. Hy het later Ondersekretaris van Justisie geword, terloops n pos waarin ek later een van sy opvolgers sou word. Later was hy die eerste hoof (nou Direkteur-generaal genoem) van die Departement van Beplanning. AJ Pretorius. Hy was in die Departement van Justisie hoog gerespekteer as "Oom Braam". Hy was die vader van die skryfsters Madelein van Biljon en Dr Cecile Celliers. Oom Braam was n baie gerespekteerde ware heer. Ek onthou hom vandat ek n klein seuntjie was. Eksentriek, maar n heer. Na sy aftrede is hy heraangestel as landdros van die verkeershof in Pretoria. 'n Pos wat hy beklee het tot hy al heelwat oor die tagtig jaar oud was. Niemand kon n hofrol so vinnig soos Oom Braam afhandel nie. Ek was toe in Justisie se hoofkantoor en die klagtes veral deur die verkeersdepartement, teen Oom Braam stroom toe in en die lêer beland op my tafel. Ek het klein gevoel. Dit blyk toe dat Oom Braam sy eie prosedure in die hof gevolg het. Mense het nie in sy hof gelieg nie, skuldig gepleit, niks kanse gewaag nie en gewoonlik met ‘n waarskuwing of ligte boete weggekom. Al minder mense het erkenning van skuld betaal want hulle het geweet Oom Braam sou lig straf. Een klagte was oor n verhoor wat soos volg verloop het. Terwyl die staatsaanklaer nog besig was om die klagte van ry oor n stopstraat of só iets, te stel, val Oom Braam hom in die rede met: "Mnr die aanklaer, wil jy nou vir my vertel hierdie mooi jong dame só iets lelik sal aanvang? Ek glo dit nie! Dame ek weet nie of jy dit gedoen het nie maar as jy dit gedoen het, gaan huistoe en moet dit nie weer doen nie!" Die hofrekord het gelees: Skuldig. Vonnis: Gewaarsku en ontslaan. Ons het ‘n plan gemaak en Oom Braam het vir die tweede keer eervol afgetree. Hoe kon ek nou teen my waardige kinderdae-held, optree?? JW van Greunen. Een van die bekwaamste landdroste wat ek ooit ontmoet het. Hy het my oortuig om by Justisie aan te sluit. Landdros van Greunen was een van die eerste streeklanddroste wat in die land aangestel is en het na ‘n baie suksesvolle loopbaan as Hooflanddros van Kaapstad afgetree. JJ van Noordwyk. Ek het ook onder hierdie landdros gewerk. Hy was ‘n perfeksionis en het ‘n ongelooflike kennis van elke faset van sy beroep gehad. Hy het ons jongeres geleer om voorskrifte uit ons kop te ken en toe te pas. Hy was die Hooflanddros van Bellville toe hy heeltemal te vroeg onverwags oorlede is. •

Die Landdroskantoorgebou

Soos reeds gesê, het ek in die ou landdroskantoorgebou begin werk. Waar die nuwe gebou opgerig is, was ‘n oop parkeerterrein. Die nuwe gebou is in Februarie 1972 deur die Minister van Justisie, Mnr PC Pelser, geopen. Ek was toe parlementêre beampte van Justisie en ek en my vrou was gaste by die openingsplegtigheid. Landdros Johan van Eeden, ' n Montagu-seun was toe die landdros. Adamus P Stemmet (AP) 84 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

MAJ JF ROSSOUW: GEBORE TE MONTAGU

(Ek het die foto vir mnr Stemmet gestuur) Hennie, Dankie vir die foto's. Die foto van die uitpaseringsparade wat deur die toe Kolonel (later Genl.maj) Koos Rossouw (ex Montagu) van die SAP - kollege gelei is hou vir my persoonlik n stukkie geskiedenis in. Eerstens was my broer Francois een van die nuwe konstabels wat op parade was. Tweedens was dit op 4 Desember 1964 op Pilditch-stadion die aand voor my troue met Petro die volgende dag.. My moeder was daar uit Franschhoek uit vir die twee belangrike gebeurtenisse maar ek het n krisis gehad. Ek kon haar nie na die parade neem nie! Ek was verbonde aan die RSA se regspan wat aan pleitstukke vir die Wêreldhofsaak ivm Namibië (toe nog Suidwes Afrika ) wat in Den Haag sou plaasvind gewerk het. Die president van die hof, Sir Percy Spender, het verdere uitstel geweier en ons moes dag en nag werk om ons pleitstukke betyds in Den Haag te hê. Slaag ons nie, kon die hof natuurlik teen ons beslis. Dr Verwoerd sou ons almal fire ! My taak was om daardie nag finale konsep-pleitstukke vir ons advokate op te stel. Sou die advokate tevrede wees, kon ek dit die volgende oggend finaal afhandel en vir n kort wittebrood gaan. Anders sou ek die volgende dag net gaan trou en die Sondag terugkeer --- geen wittebrood. ! 85 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

My goeie vriend Rassie sou vir my instaan en my Ma na die parade vir haar jongste se uitpassering neem . Laat die aand terwyl die advokate my konsep pleitstukke onder hande neem, glip ek toe weg Pillditch toe wat gelukkig naby was. Ek was net betyds om die laaste verbymars op die foto) gelei deur ‘n mede-Montaguer, Kol Koos Rossouw, te sien. Daarna, terug kantoor toe! Ek was darem die volgende dag betyds vir my troue ! Vandag, 57 jaar later hou die gelukkige huwelik nog. Adamus P Stemmet (AP) Durbanville Op hierdie parade waarop ek ook was, was Koos (Ross) Rossouw nog ‘n majoor, dit was op 4 Julie 1964. Mnr Stemmet verwys na die Desember uitpasering toe was die majoor seker ‘n luit-kol – HBH. - HBH

KOL JF ROSSOUW (GEBORE MONTAGU) DK PIETERSBURG

Die vergadering tussen Mosambiek-, Rhodesiese - en Botswana Polisie is deur destyds deur Ltkol JJ Viktor van die veiligheidspolisie, Verre-Noord Transvaal gereël.

A FORMER STALWART OF SA POLICE, MOUNTAIN RISE & BORDER VETERAN: WARRANT OFFICER RAJAGOPAUL (GOPS) KAVARI 86 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Photograph Warrant Officer Gops Kavari in uniform as a Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Kavari enlisted into the South African Police on 1970-0212. Recruiting of Indian members were undertaken in Pietermaritzburg Central (previously known as Loop Street). It is reported that he was posted to SA Police, Pietermaritzburg Central. Tribute to Warrant Officer Kavari, by his eldest daughter, Mrs Vaneshree Maharaj NAME: (Rajagopaul) Gops Kavari DOB: 12 August 1949 PLACE OF BIRTH: Pietermaritzburg DOD: 01 December 2011 Our dad the late Warrant Officer R. Kavari was an exceptional individual as unique as his surname. He was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg where he spent most of his adult life as well. He attended the Gujrati Primary school as a child and later attended Raisethorpe Secondary School. He unfortunately didn’t complete his matriculation as he had to discontinue his education to begin working and support his extended family. It was obvious from this early sacrifice that he was a caring individual who valued family, putting them first despite the disadvantage or difficulties he was presented with. He worked from this young age continuously until his retirement from SAP. Initially he had joined the Traffic department which I believe he left to enrol with the Police Force. He enlisted in 1970 and was a member of Platoon 11 at the Wentworth Training College from 1968.

Photograph 87 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

South African Police, Wentworth Training College, Platoon 11 April - September 1968 Third row, second from right R Kavari.

Photograph The young Constable Kavari with unidentified members presumably from SA Police, Pietermaritzburg Central. Whilst at Pietermaritzburg Central he was promoted to the rank of 88 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Sergeant on 1 June 1973. (A commendable achievement considering he only had 3 years of service. - Logan Govender, [LG].) He was transferred to Townhill Police Station on 1 December 1973 and thereafter to Mountain Rise Police Station on 13 November 1975. Along the way he met colleagues and made many a friend who stayed with him throughout his distinguished career of over 27 years. He was also one of many policemen who served at the South African borders over the years from 1974 – 1988. He never hesitated when called upon for border duty. Some of my early childhood memories include having to bid him farewell at the Pietermaritzburg Train Station at odd hours of the day or night as he left to the border. Dad also received professional recognition for his dedication and devotion. He was the recipient of at least 6 medals over his career for Border Duties and acknowledgement of his faithful, loyal and meritorious service among others. Photograph Sergeant Kavari holding an R1 rifle at the notorious “The Hill” at Maleoskop. (Caption Colonel Johnny Govender)

Photograph Sergeant Kavari with unidentified members relaxing after a day on patrol.

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Photograph Sergeant Kavari standing alongside an Aloe Dad married our mum Shirley on 1982-01-12 and they had four daughters, spending over 35 years together. At the time of his death, he had 6 grandchildren and would have been very proud and happy to have more added and now have 8 grandchildren. Photograph Kavari with his wife Shirley Our dad was a hardworking individual and a loving father, husband and grandfather who rarely denied us anything. He believed in being disciplined and working for what you wanted. Thanks to his guidance he raised us to become the strong and independent individuals and women we are today. He put great credence and emphasis on education and always expected us to give off our best. He believed ‘the sky was the limit’ and encouraged us to study and work hard. If anything as siblings we have inherited his sense of duty, pride and work ethic. His job was his pride and this showed in his spotless uniform and grooming to his sense of punctuality which was always paramount to him. He further instilled his love for his job to the many junior members he guided, taught and mentored through difficult times who often looked up to him. Although our Dad appeared stern to many, he had a wicked 90 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

sense of humour which would present itself when you least expected it. He was also an entertaining story teller and told us many tales of his experiences. He was a loyal friend and colleague who had a broad and trusted social circle including his fellow colleagues and friends.

Photograph Major General Bert Wandrag pinning The South African Police Border Medal on Sergeant Kavari at a Medal Parade held at the Woodburn Ruby Stadium in Pietermaritzburg during1987. Photograph Sergeant Kavari with his wife Shirley after The South African Police, Border Medal (as it is known these days) was awarded to him by Major General Bert Wandrag at The Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

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Photograph Major Dennis Langley hands over the certificate of award to Kavari – Lieut Logan Govender looks on. Kavari was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer on 1 October 1993. On his retirement from the SAPS in 1996 he spent his days with our mum and his grandchildren whom he doted upon. He seized the opportunity to relax and travel and once bitten by the travel bug, made many trips to India and Mauritius with our mum. He played soccer when young and was part of his Platoon soccer team (see photo elsewhere) and when older he loved watching soccer and cricket on TV. Warrant Officer Kavari will always be remembered fondly as a disciplined and dedicated police officer to his friends and colleagues, a product of a bygone era. He sadly died on the 01 December 2011 at the age of 62 years. As a husband, father and grandfather he was loved greatly and 10 years after his death he is still sorely missed and loved. Insert by Captain (f) Ebrahim Photograph Captain (f) GM Ebrahim When one thinks of the now, late Warrant Officer Kavari and reflects on his tenure in the SAPS, one can only, but reflect in admiration. He was truly a loyal and dedicated member who served with absolute passion. I had the privilege of working with him for several years and having him as my mentor. His appearance made a lasting impression even before he engaged with anybody. Neatness and cleanliness, he said was next to Godliness. Hence, the sparkling shoes, immaculately ironed uniform and polished buttons stood out with pride. He served in several components during his tenure and grew from strength to strength, sharing his experience He always reminded us subordinates that we were there to serve the community and not ourselves. He was kind, generous and compassionate to everybody including those that needed to be arrested. 92 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

During the latter part of his tenure, he worked at the Enquiry Branch and part of his duties were to execute warrants and summons. By then, he had become quite mellow and would ask the accused to report to the office to see him and take them straight to court. In doing so, they didn't have to be arrested and detained. This indicated his trust in humanity. He was extremely family orientated and spoke affectionately of his wife, Shirley, their 4 daughters and grandchildren. He always gave credit to his wife for being the support behind him. Any task that he rendered he did so with distinguished service. During my former years in the service, he guided and moulded me to be a strong, independent woman and shared his life values with me. One of the profound messages he left with me was a quote from Martin Luther King: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep the streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep the streets so well that all hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say: "Here lives a street sweeper who did his job well". Captain Sada Pillay Photograph Captain Sada Pillay I know that he was most loyal to his colleagues. He was one you could count on in any situation. He was also a very jovial and caring person. He always stood by his friends and colleagues. MEDALS AWARDED TO WO KAVARI • 1979-11-05 SA Police Medal for Combating Terrorism (‘74); • 1982-09-21 Bar Combatting Terrorism; • 1982-11-20 Bar Combatting Terrorism; • 1986-03-17 SA Police Medal for Faithful Service (‘63), 10 years. • 1988-04-01 SA Police Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Commemorative Medal; • 1990-02-12 SA Police Star for Faithful Service, 20 years; He retired on 1996-10-31 with 27 years of service. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • Brigadier Heymans, Editor of Nongqai for publication and his constant inspiration and encouragement; • The family of the late Warrant Officer Rajagopaul (Gops) Kavari, specifically Mrs Vanashree Maharaj for their invaluable contribution in compiling this account of his police career and all the photographs unless otherwise specified; • Captains GM Ebrahim and Sada Pillay for their respective inserts; • Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay; • Pietermaritzburg Public Eye for publishing my letter requesting family members to make contact with me; • All the readers for their efforts in providing contact details of family members. Logan Govender

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"SÊ VIR KOOS ONS GAAN SKIET" – ‘N CASSPIR-STORIE Koos de Wet (Australië) Die Casspir is al in diens met die SAP toe ek kort voor teetyd een oggend ‘n oproep van Genl. Vic Verster se kantoor kry wat net so kripties oorgedra word as wat die generaal se opdrag moes gewees het, want die arme persoon weet niks meer nie, en kan geen verdere inligting verskaf nie. Die boodskap was tipies Genl. Vic (Lt-genl HV Verster) soos ek hom leer ken het: "Sê vir Koos ons gaan skiet en hy moet 10.30 by Wallmannstal wees" - niks meer of minder nie en mens moes maar altyd bietjie versigtig wees met Genl. Vic - wat gaan ons skiet of meer onrusbarend, wie gaan ons dalk skiet kom onwillekeurig in mens se gedagtes op. Ek is eintlik bietjie vies want ek is nie gevra of ek dit kan inpas of nie en is boonop baie besig op kantoor en nou moet ek alles net so los om "iets of iemand te gaan skiet". Ek vermoed die geskietery hou verband met Casspir want die meeste van die gesprekke tussen Genl. Vic (foto links) en ek het maar verband gehou met die Casspir waarvoor hy ‘n groot liefde gehad het en as sy persoonlike baba gesien het. By Wallmannstal aangekom sien ek ‘n Casspir daar staan en ‘n paar polisiemanne wat rondstaan en duidelik vir die "hogere manne" wag om te arriveer. Vra vir hulle wat aangaan maar hulle weet ook nie so mooi nie en Sailor van Schalkwyk, die SAP se hoof wapensmid en geweerkenner is ook daar en nou kry ek die idee dat ons gelukkig darem net ‘n Casspir gaan skiet. Nou vir die wat nie weet nie, Sailor (foto links), was baie hoog deur Genl. Vic aangeskryf as die persoon wat meer van gewere en ammunisie geweet het as enige ander persoon op die aardbol en wat hy al vergeet het moes Mikhail Kalashnikov (1919 - 2013) blykbaar nog leer. Nee, Sailor was ‘n MENEER onder wapendeskundiges en kenners so wees versigtig om nie n slegte woord oor Sailor kwyt te raak in Genl. Vic se teenwoordigheid nie. Nie lank nie of Genl. Vic kom in ‘n stofwolk in sy amptelike motor daar aan vergesel van Genl. Bert Wandrag. Almal groet en dis koffietyd (niks klop daai lekker stomende sterk koffie in die veld nie) en geleentheid vir Genl. Vic om my "op spoed" te bring in ons klein bosvergadering op die skietterrein met Genl. Wandrag en Sailor. Genl. Vic weet baie goed dat die Casspir se ballistiese beskermingsvlak 7.62 x 39 AK ammunisie en NAVO 7.62 x 51 ammunisie voor, agter, aan die kante en dak is maar toe kom hy vorendag met "en jy het ook mos beskerming teen NAVO 5.56 x 45 ammunisie ingebou, nè? ". “Nee, Generaal, dit was nooit die behoefte nie” en ek en hy begin "stoei" so ‘n bietjie oor die oorspronklike spesifikasies, maar dit was nie lank nie toe gee hy bes (want hy HET van beter geweet maar nogtans ‘n kans gevat) en sê hy dis hoekom ons gaan skiet want hy is tog seker die Casspir sal die 5.56 x 45 ammunisie kan stop.

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Genl. Wandrag (links) op sy beurt is nie so seker nie en sê ook so en ek vermoed toe dat iets iewers moes gebeur het wat tot hierdie skielike toets aanleiding gegee het - het nie gevra nie en is ook nie gesê nie. Koffietyd is verby en Genl. Vic, Genl. Wandrag en ek gaan sit so teen ‘n skuins walletjie so 20 meter terug en 45 grade met die agterkant van die Casspir waarvan die deure oop is, so ons kan al twee deure sien en enige gate as daar sou deurgeskiet word. Soos Koevoet-manne sal weet maak die deure 90 grade oop, so is die agterdeure parallel aan mekaar as hulle oop is en dit laat ons toe om die linker agterdeur se buitekant te sien en die regter agterdeur se binnekant teen ‘n hoek van 45 grade. Sailor staan so paar meters links van ons wat hom in staat stel om die linker deur teen 90 grade te skiet om dwaalkoeëls en opslagkoeëls te vermy. Dis daardie tyd van die jaar dat dit laat oggend al baie warm is en terwyl Genl. Vic heel gemaklik is in sy safaripak (waarvoor hy so lief was) is, Genl. Wandrag is die beste aangetrek vir die omstandighede - oopnek hemp en kortbroek met stewels as ek reg onthou. Ek daarenteen was in my kantoordrag, langbroek en sportbaadjie want voor die oproep was daar geen plan om daardie dag in die veld en stof te gaan sit "om te skiet" nie. Die gode moes na my omgesien het want om al die verkeerde redes was ek beslis die paslikste aangetrek vir wat sou volg. Sailor laai die AK magasyn vol (het mens werklik ‘n vol magasyn nodig? - nog nooit dit voorheen gesien nie - gewoonlik groepe van 3 skote vir toetse, maar nou ja, Genl. Vic het gesê "ons gaan skiet" so....) En die spanning laai op . Almal het teen hierdie tyd skuiling geneem behalwe natuurlik ons drie dapper musketiers hier op die sandwalletjie en wat kan ons hier in elk geval oorkom. Sailor le aan en vuur die eerste rondte af. Net ‘n silwerkol waar die verf op die deur afgeslaan is en ‘n baie klein duikie. Nog wee rondtes volg toe Genl. Vic hier langs my blaf : "Genoeg Sailor, nou die R1". Ek kan sien Sailor is diep teleurgesteld want hy het ‘n vol AK magasyn en met daai glimlag op sy gesig is dit duidelik hy wou die AK op "A" vir Afrikaans sit en die magasyn leeggemaak het maar Genl. Vic het gepraat so dis die einde daarvan. Hierdie keer laai Sailor 5 rondtes in die R1 magasyn. Die R1 blaf 3 keer en nou meer verf af, groter silwer kolle en dieper duike maar geen gate nie. Sailor sê niks nie want hy is nog dikbek omdat hy nie die AK kon laat "gesels op Afrikaans nie". Genl. Vic probeer met klein gatkruipppraatjies om Sailor te paai want hy is nou eers moerig omdat hy nie die AK kon "laat gesels " het nie en mens wil nie Sailor onnodig de donder in hê op ‘n skietbaan met masjiengewere nie. Nou vir die hoofitem vir die dag en die eintlike rede hoekom "ons gaan skiet" - die R4 - 5.56. Die R4 is n nuwe wapen in die SAW en ek het nie voorheen juis baie daarmee te doen gehad nie so weet nie veel van die wapen af nie anders as dat hy oor n heelwat hoer trompsnelheid as die R1 beskik en die vermoë het om deur dikker staal te penetreer. Sailor laai ‘n magasyn met wat vir my tot vandag toe nog lyk na piepklein koeëltjies en weer kom die bevel vir almal om dekking te neem voordat Sailor die sneller trek. Sailor lê aan en trek die sneller. Volgende oomblik verskyn daar ‘n koeëlronde gaatjie in die deur waardeur ons die lig kans sien en millisekondes later hoor ek net hier langs my ‘n pyn-geskreeude "Bliksem" toe Genl. Wandrag langs my hemelwaarts lanseer met na wat dit vir my gelyk het met sy regterhand tussen sy bene, so in die algemene omgewing van die kroonjuwele. 95 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Ons was in totale skok. HKGK dink ek by myself. Skielik het ons nou ‘n uiters gevaarlike situasie op hande. Ons het geen idee wat gebeur het nie want die knal lui nog in ons ore, maar daar is die gevaar Genl. Vic kan tot die gevolgtrekking kom dat Genl. Wandrag "aangeval" is en ernstig gewond is in ‘n uiters sensitiewe gedeelte van sy liggaam en dis n baie ernstige situasie. Die gevaar bestaan nou dat Genl. Vic kan oorgaan tot gevegsgereedheidsvlak "rooi" met onvoorspelbare gevolge - dit neem in elk geval nie veel om hom daar te kry nie. Genl. Wandrag keer terug aarde toe van sy ongeskeduleerde kort ruimtesending met sy kortbroek se pyp teruggetrek tot amper waar familiebesigheid ter sprake kom en toe sien ons dit - op daardie sagte, wit binneboudvleis was n snel vormende rooi waterblaas so groot soos ‘n 5 sent stuk. Terwyl ons almal natuurlik diep besorg is oor Genl. Wandrag se "ernstige wond" kan ek nie help om te sien hoe Sailor agter sy hand lag nie, maar dit verdwyn vinnig toe Genl. Vic hom die "kyk" gee. "Ons het ‘n baie ernstige situasie op hande en dis geen grap nie Sailor" was die veelseggende "kyk boodskap". Sailor het die boodskap hard en duidelik gekry maar nogtans gaan lag waar Genl. Vic hom nie kon sien nie. Ons werk toe uit dit moes van die Casspir af kom en toe Genl. Wandrag opstaan en sy kortbroek uitskud (ons het nie geweet wat gaan uitval nie!), val daar ‘n mooi ronde stukkie staal, nog steeds baie warm en so groot soos ‘n ertjie, uit. Genadiglik nie ‘n beskadigde liggaamsdeel wat ons kon herken nie. Wat gebeur het was dat die 5.56 koeël die ertjie-grootte metaal netjies uit die deur gepons het (met al die hitte wat dit veroorsaak het) wat dan teen die binnekant van die ander deur gebots het. Daardie deur was binnekant met rubberagtige materiaal bedek en dit het die "staal-ertjie" help terugspring met ‘n hoek van 45 grade tot netjies in Genl. Wandrag se kortbroekpyp wat in elk geval so bietjie teruggetrek was soos wat dikwels die geval is wanneer jy op die grond sit. Geen skerpskutter wat ek ken kon dit meer akkuraat geplaas het nie. Tot vandag toe nog ‘n raaisel hoekom Genl. Wandrag alle aanbiedinge van hulp met behandeling van daardie "ernstige" wond met beslistheid van die hand gewys het, maar nou ja... het nie gevra nie want ek wou ook nie Genl. Vic se "kyk" kry nie.... Die volgende was die waardevolle lesse wat ons uit die "Slag van Wallmannstal" geleer het: 1. Skiettoetse is nie vir "ouens met kortbroekies" nie. 2. As jy uit die bloute genooi/beveel word om te "Ons gaan skiet" kan enigiets gebeur. 3. Nie eers ‘n generaal se "juwele" is veilig op n skietbaan nie 4. Die Casspir was op daardie stadium nie bestand teen 5.56 ammunisie nie. Ek sidder om te dink wat sou gebeur het indien daardie witwarm stukkie staal koers gekry het en by Genl. Vic se safaripak kortbroekpyp ingegaan het en by die sagte bobeen binnevleis tot ruste gekom het - te aaklig om eers aan die moontlike gevolge te dink! Soos daardie welbekende Romein gesê het: " Ons het gekom, ons het geskiet en sommige van ons was blerrie gelukkig die skade was nie erger nie....." En om af te sluit soos die ongeskrewe reël van destyds bepaal het, "Wat op Wallmannstal gebeur bly op Wallmannstal" ....tot vandag toe...... Groete van ver af. Koos

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VREES OOR S.A. POLISIEMAN SE LOT:IN TERRORISTE SE HANDE Slagting aan Zambezi – Via Lt-genl J Ferreira Deur FRIK BADENHORST en FREEK SWART • Sers. Johan Kühn Sers. Johan Kühn, 32, leier van die Suid-Afrikaanse polisiepatrollie wat op Vrydag 8 Maart 1974 naby die Victoria-waterval uitgewis is, is moontlik deur terroriste ontvoer. Sy familie vrees ook dat dit die lot is wat die ywerige jong polisiesersant oorval het.

Sers. Johan Kühn

Konst. Willem Conradie

Konst. Robert Swart

Die veiligheidsmagte by die Zambezi is op die oomblik besig met ‘n ontsaglike opruimingsaksie teen die terroriste wat die vier SuidAfrikaanse polisiemanne Vrydagoggend vermoor het. Hulle soek ook nog pal na sersant Kühn. Die slagting is een van die wreedste slae wat Suid-Afrika nog in die grensoorlog teen die terroriste getref het. Een teorie is dat dit juis gereël is om saam te val met ‘n besoek van die Minister, mnr. Lourens Muller, na die gebied. Die vier is doodgeskiet sowat vyftien kilometer van die plek waar min. Muller tuisgegaan het om ‘n swembad – wat die Rhodesiërs aan die manne op die grens geskenk het – amptelik in ontvangs te neem. Volgens die jongste beskikbare inligting wat vir brokke uit die grensgebied kom, was die geselskap polisiemanne, sers. Kühn, konst. Robert Swart van Hermanus, konst. Erhardt Strydom van Barberton, Sers. Kühn Kühn se hartseer konst. Nonnie Hough van Windhoek en konst. Willem Conradie van ouers by sy twee seuns Empangeni Donderdag uit op patrollie en is hulle op pad terug na hul basis oorval. Dewie 5, en Johan 6. Dit was naby die Kandahar-visvangplek op die Rhodesiese oewer van die Zambezi, net wes van die Victoria-waterval. Die Kandahar-eiland is ‘n gewilde vakansieplek waar toeriste gereeld op rivierbote vaar. Duisende Suid-Afrikaners en oorsese reisigers ken die plek. Die groep terroriste het blykbaar Donderdag die rivier in die donker oorgesteek. Dis ‘n gebied wat gereeld deur Suid-Afrikaanse patrollies gepatrolleer word. Die patrollie het hulle in die terroriste vasgeloop en hulle kon nog net ‘n radiosein na hul basis deurkry, voordat die vier konstabels doodgeskiet is. Die terroriste het blykbaar onmiddellik na Zambië teruggevlug. Na die radiosein is soekgeselskappe onmiddellik uitgestuur en die lyke van die vier is in die ruie gebied gekry. Van sers. Kühn was daar geen spoor nie. Die terroriste wat vir die aanval verantwoordelik was, behoort blykbaar tot die terroristeorganisasie Zapu (Zimbabwe African People’s Union) wat ondersteuning en inspirasie uit Rusland kry. 97 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Die ander terroriste-groep Zanu (Zimbabwe African National Union) word deur China geborg en tree meer in die noordoostelike grensgebied noord van Centenary en Mount Darwin op. Gisteraand het die adjunk-minister van Polisie, mnr. Jimmy Kruger, aan RAPPORT gesê dit is dinge wat gaan gebeur in die verdediging van Suid-Afrika. Hy het sy simpatie aan die naasbestaandes uitgespreek en gesê die manne was besig met hul werk toe dit gebeur het. omdat een van die manne vermis word, wou hy niks verder sê nie. Ses. Kühn se vader, mnr. J.A. Kühn van Kamanassie-straat, Pretoria, meen sy seun is deur die terroriste gevangene geneem. “As dit die geval is, weet ons net een ding seker en dit is dat dit nie maklik met hom gaan nie,” het hy gesê. Die ander moontlikhede dat hy nêrens dood lê, of dat hy gewond gevlug het, oorweeg die familie nog, maar die moontlikhede is vir die gesin wat sedert Vrydag gespanne op tyding wag, meer onwaarskynlik. Hulle meen dat die soekgeselskappe in daardie geval óf sers. Kühn se lyk óf hom al sou gevind het. As hy gewond was, en op vrye voete was, meen hulle dat hy by een van die patrollieroetes sou wag om hulp. “As ons tog net geweet het waar hy hom bevind, of wat met hom gebeur het, was dit draagliker,” het sy vader gesê. “Verlede week is van die terroriste ter dood veroordeel en moontlik wil hulle nou vir Johan gebruik om die veroordeeldes se vryheid te koop. As dit só is, kan ons hom weer lewend sien. Intussen sal ons moet aanvaar dat dit nie baie goed met hom gaan in die terroriste se hande nie.” Rhodesiërs by die dorpie Victoria Falls het gister aan RAPPORT gesê hulle is geskok oor die nuwe geweldplegings. Dis die eerste keer sedert die moord op twee Kanadese meisies verlede jaar in Mei net onderkant die waterval, dat hulle bloedvergieting beleef. “Luister maar na Radio Zambia, hulle weet blykbaar alles,” het van die mense gesê. Uitsendings deur Radio Zambia het die gebeurtenis as “’n oorwinning vir die vryheidsvegters” bestempel. Die skietery is ook deur die BBC in Londen gerapporteer. Ten tye van die skietery was die Minister van Polisie, mnr. Muller, adj.min. Kruger en die hoof van die polisie, genl. Theo Crous, op ‘n besoek aan die waterval. Die seremonie, waar die minister die swembad van sowat R4000 in ontvangs sou neem, onmiddellik afgestel toe die nuus van die skietery ontvang is. Volgens lt.genl. P.J. Theron, hoof-adjunk-kommissaris van Polisie, is die polisie op ‘n gereedheidsgrondslag om hulp te stuur as dit nodig sou word, hoewel geen opdrag om ekstra manne in te stuur, ontvang is nie. Verlede naweek is aangekondig dat konst. Wynand Calitz, 22, wat in Newlands, Johannesburg gestasioneer was, in Rhodesië dood is. Hy was die seun van mnr. en mev. J. Calitz van die plaas Sanddrif naby Humansdorp in OosKaapland. Die inligting is dat hy in ‘n hinderlaag deur terroriste doodgeskiet is en met twee skote in sy bors gekry is. --ooOoo--

Mamma, hoekom huil jy? ‘n Klein seuntjie het gevra: “Mamma, hoekom huil jy?” Dit was gistermiddag in die huis in Pretoria waar daar nog nie sekerheid is oor die lot van sers. Johan Kühn, 32, nie. Dáár wag sy vrou, Marthie, 29, sy seuntjies en sy ouers. “Ek kan dit nie meer verduur nie! Ek word mal van onsekerheid!” het Marthie uitgeroep toe die telefoon vir die soveelste keer lui. Dit was weer ‘n bekende wat haar sterkte toewens. Haar trane kon sy nie keer nie. Sy, en haar twee seuns, Johan, 6 en Dewie, 5, was by haar skoonouers, mnr. en mev. J.A. Kühn van Kamassie-straat, toe hulle Mev. Marthie Kühn – gisteroggend om eenuur die nuus hoor. Sedertdien het “Ek word mal van niemand in die huis nog ‘n oog toegemaak nie. bekommernis,” sê sy. Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Kobus Kühn, die vermiste man se broer, sê net: “Hoe gaan ‘n mens die kleintjies dit laat verstaan?” Elke keer wanneer ‘n vliegtuig oor die huis kom, vra die seuns: “Ma, is dit Pa?” Verlede Vrydag nog het daar briewe van hom gekom. Hy het geskryf van die groot troppe wild en die ruigheid van die gebied ná die reën. Die grassaad, het hy gekla, gee hom hooikoors. Aan sy moeder het hy gesê, voordat hy weg is: “Ma, moenie bekommerd wees nie: ek kom terug.” Sers. Kühn het by die polisiehoofkantoor in Hoofkantoor gewerk. Hy is ‘n maand gelede grens toe. Hy was gretig om te gaan, het daarna uitgesien, vertel Marthie. Die familie sê sers. Kühn het teen sy vader se sin polisieman geword, maar van hoërskooldae af was daar maar net een loopbaan vir hom. Hy het hom as polisieman volkome uitgeleef, sê sy mense. Sy broer, Kobus, werk ook in die polisiehoofkwartier en sal waarskynlik in die volgende groep wees wat grens toe gaan. So word sy makkers onthou: • Konst. Robert Swart Konst. Robert Swart, 34, van Hermanus, Kaapland, was drie jaar getroud. Hy en sy vrou, Renée, het een dogtertjie, Marijke, wat op 10 Mei ‘n jaar oud word. Sy stiefmoeder, mev. Maria Swart, 67, woon op Gordonsbaai en is weens skok onder doktersbehandeling. Sy vader is in 1970 dood. Konst. Swart sou op 1 Mei van die grens af teruggekeer het. Hy verjaar op 2 Mei. Dit was sy derde diensbeurt aan die grens en hy was hierdie keer effens traag om te gaan, sê sy vriende. Volgens die stasiebevelvoerder op Hermanus, luit. Alton, was hy ‘n uitstekende polisieman met vyftien jaar diens agter die rug. Voorheen was hy in Wynberg en Vishoek en op Gordonsbaai gestasioneer. Die afgelope tien jaar werk hy op Hermanus. Hy het ‘n baie in sport belang gestel en was ‘n ywerige hengelaar. Sy kollegas sê hy was stil van geaardheid op die dorp. ‘n Ware Christen. • Konst. Erhard Strydom Konst. Erhard Strydom, 25, van Barberton is verlede jaar aangesê om grens toe te gaan, maar omdat sy vrou hul tweede verwag het, het hy aansoek gedoen om later te gaan. Dis hoe hy teen die einde van Januarie grens toe gestuur is. Die distrikskommandant van polisie op Nelspruit, kol. F.C. Erasmus, sê konst. Strydom was sowat agt jaar in die polisie. Dit was die tweede keer dat hy grens toe is. Sy vrou, Petro en hul twee kindertjies, ‘n seuntjie van twee jaar en ‘n dogtertjie van ses maande, woon op Barberton. • Konst. Willem Conradie Konst. WILLEM CONRADIE, 22 van Empangeni, het ‘n weduwee-moeder, mev. Christa Conradie, wat in Bailey-laan, Arcadia, Pretoria, woon, Sy sê sy is baie trots op haar seun. Hy het in 1971 op Reddersburg in die Vrystaat gematrikuleer en ook vir die Suidoos-Vrystaatse skole rugby gespeel. Hy was die oudste van haar drie kinders. Mev. Conradie sê sy het altyd graag geluister na die avonture van ander polisiemanne wat van grensdiens af kom. Op 3 Mei sou hy self teruggekom het om op 7 Mei met sy sersant-eksamen te begin. Volgens sy boesemvriend en kollega, konst. Arie Haage van Empangeni, was hy ‘n skraal, stil kêrel wat die meeste van sy vrye tyd gehengel het. Hy het ook vir Empangeni rugby gespeel. Meisies het hy nie eintlik uitgeneem nie, hoewel hy ‘n besondere vriendin in Kaapstad gehad het. Konst. Haage sê hy was vier jaar op Empangeni gestasioneer en het dikwels gesê dit is sy hartsbegeerte om teen die terroriste te gaan veg. Toe hy in Februarie hoor hy kan gaan, was hy baie bly. “Ons is natuurlik almal baie geskok oor sy dood, maar hier is nie een man wat eens sal huiwer om te gaan as hy opgeroep word grens toe nie,” sê hy.

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• Konst. Nonnie Hough Die jongste van die vier, konst. Nonnie Hough, 19, van Usakos, Suidwes, sou op Witbank gestasioneer word, maar hy is eers grens toe. Volgens een van sy susters was hy baie bekommerd toe hy hoor hy moet gaan omdat hy so buitengewoon geheg aan sy ouers was. Sy vader is ‘n hartlyer wat op die oomblik met vakansie is. Die nuus van sy dood is baie stadig en stap vir stap aan hom bekend gemaak, sê die huismense. Sy ouers, mnr. en mev. N.M. Hough, woon op Usakos. Onderwysers op die dorp vertel dat konst. Hough op skool ‘n buitengewoon voorbeeldige leerling was. Hy was ook baie verantwoordelik en sou met sy leiers-eienskappe ver gevorder het, se hulle. Erkenning aan Rapport Sondag, 10 Maart 1974

GERT ‘FISH’ VISAGÈ & KALLIE KNOETZE: “OU BLITSPATROLLIE: PRETORIA”-MANNE

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DIE JURIESTELSEL Mnr AP Stemmet RP “Gerrie” Maritz was nog in my tyd as staatsaanklaer in Pretoria en Lydenburg op die bank en die stories oor hom was volop. Soortgelyke stories oor die ewe eksentrieke Landdros Braam Pretorius, vroeër van Montagu, was ook in omloop. Maar anderdag oor hom. Beide was legendes in hul leeftyd. Wat die juriestelsel betref, het ek nogal ‘n rolletjie gespeel om dit afgeskaf te kry. Op Lydenburg moes die rondgaande hof gereeld sit om veral moordsake afkomstig uit Sekoekoenieland af te handel. Om die een of ander rede het byna alle beskuldigdes by die Voorlopige Ondersoek in die landdroshof aangedui dat hulle verkies om deur ‘n regter en jurie verhoor te word. Ek kon dit nie verstaan nie. Die alternatiewe was om deur ‘n regter alleen of deur ‘n regter en assessore verhoor te word. Moontlike jurielede is dan uit die wit-gemeenskap getrek en moes die hof op die dag van die verhoor dikwels onder protes, bywoon. Besige mense het dit as tydmors beskou want die dag van die verhoor het die gewoonlik pro Deo-advokate sonder uitsondering aangedui dat die beskuldigde verkies om deur ‘n regter alleen of met assessore verhoor te word.'n Hele dag is dus gemors. Ek moes ‘n plan maak om die tydmorsery van mense te stop. Ek gesels toe eendag met ons twee baie bekwame hoftolke Ronald Shilubbane (Shangaan, Zulu) en Gabriel Ramoshaba (Pedi, Sotho, Zulu en Xhosa ) en vra hoe hulle in die verskillende tale die keuse van jurie al dan nie aan beskuldigdes verduidelik.. Toe hulle dit doen, stel ek voor dat ons dit vir die dikwels ongeletterde beskuldigdes makliker moet maak om te besluit. Ek stel toe voor en ons drie kom ooreen dat die verduideliking in die toekoms soos volg sou geskied: As die landdros aan die einde van die Voorlopige Ondersoek sê die tolk moet die beskuldigde(s) se regte by verhoor verduidelik, sal dit soos volg gedoen word: "Jy (soms julle ) moet nou ‘n keuse maak: Jy kan kies om deur ‘n regter alleen verhoor te word. 'n Regter is ‘n baie slim man met ‘n rooi jas aan wat uit Pretoria kom om jou saak te verhoor. Hy was eers ‘n slim (advokaat)”; Of “Jy kan deur daardie regter en twee assessore verhoor word. Dit beteken die regter kies vir hom twee slim manne soos Baas Hannes en Baas Gert (twee gewilde plaaslike prokureurs) om hom te help met jou verhoor. (Daardie dae is nog van “Baas” gepraat.) Maar Jy kan ook verkies om deur ‘n regter en jurie verhoor te word maar dan besluit die jurie en nie die regter nie of jy skuldig of onskuldig is. Die jurie bestaan uit mense soos Baas Jan van die hotel, Baas Piet van die koöperasie, Baas Koos van die bioskoop, Baas Gert van die groceriewinkel, Baas Johnnie die elektrisiën, die Griek van die keffie op die hoek hier oorkant die hof en verder uit boere soos . . . “ Geen beskuldigde het weer verkies om op Lydenburg deur ‘n jurie verhoor te word nie. Die rompslomp was verby. Tolke van verskillende howe gesels met mekaar en ek vermoed die storie het redelik wyd versprei en jurieverhore het doodgeloop in daardie gebied. 101 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

'n Paar jaar later was ek eers in Justisie se Afdeling Regsbeplanning, Sekretaris van die Regshersieningskomitee met Hoofregter Lucas Steyn as voorsitter en later Parlementêre Beampte toe ons die Strafproseswet , No 56 van 1955 gewysig het om die juriestelsel in die RSA af te skaf. Party dae wonder ek hoe juries vandag ( 2021) daar sou uitgesien het. Groete. Adamus P Stemmet (AP)

• Die Koringraad: Makoukursus: Juriestelsel Gedurende 1971 voor die Makou-kursus (offisierskursus) begin gedurende 1971 verskyn ek voor die Koringraad (die Keurraad met ‘kwaai’ offisiere) dit het maklik gegaan totdat ek die voordele en nadele van die juriestelsel moes verduidelik. As ek reg onthou was die juriestelsel in daardie tyd afgeskaf.

Verkeerde prioriteite wys hoe ANC as regering misluk (Parlementsdebat: Aansuiweringsbegroting) Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur:

Wouter Wessels VF Plus-LP en hoofwoordvoerder: Finansies 10 Desember 2021 Korrupsie, onbevoegdheid en verkeerde prioriteite het nou reeds kenmerkend van die ANCregering geword; kenmerke van mislukking en ’n totale onvermoë om die land se geldsake te beheer. Die jongste oudit-uitkomste van staatsinstellings toon aan dat net een van al die staatsentiteite in die land ’n skoon oudit gekry het. Wat het by die ander gebeur? Hoeveel geld is wanaangewend en gesteel terwyl die land agteruitgaan en miljoene van sy inwoners krepeer? Onderwysers verdien gemiddeld sowat R20 000 per maand. Hierteenoor het Eskom se oudbestuurshoof, Brian Molefe R1.1 miljoen per maand verdien. Dit wys hoe verkeerde prioriteite eindelik tot beurtkrag gely het, en waarom die land se onderwysstelsel so swak is. ’n Adjudant-offisier in die polisie verdien gemiddeld slegs R15 000 per maand terwyl ’n spesiale raadgewer vir ’n minister tussen R100- en R185 000 per maand verdien. Terwyl misdaad buite beheer is, bestee die regering R175 000 aan luukse hotelverblyf vir ’n provinsiale polisiekommissaris. Terwyl daar nie geld is vir onontbeerlike hulpmiddels nie en ’n moratorium op nuwe aanstellings geplaas is, word R1,8 miljard begroot vir ministers se lyfwagte. Dit is hoe verkeerde prioriteite lyk terwyl mense werkloos en honger is en die ekonomie uiteenval. Een uit sewe mense het hul werk in die formele sektor verloor sedert 2018. Tog hou die ANC vol dat hy goed regeer, dat die begroting goed is vir die ekonomie en dat die regering omgee vir die mense van die land.

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Hy vertel trots hoe hy Suid-Afrika regruk en korrupsie uitroei. Dit is egter nie ’n prestasie om iets te wil regmaak wat jy self gebreek het en waarvoor jy verantwoordelik is nie. Terwyl miljoene Suid-Afrikaners desperaat wag op ‘n noodfonds-toelaag, het 170 000 regeringsamptenare reeds ’n wyse gevind om hul hande onwettig op maatskaplike toelae te kry. Hierdie voorbeelde skets onteenseglik ’n prentjie van ’n mislukte staat en ’n regering sonder leierskap waar korrupsie en onbevoegdheid hoogty vier. ’n Regering sonder gewete wat koud staan teenoor die lot en lyding van sy mense. Navrae: 082 674 6670 Kommentaar HBH Ons plaas van tyd tot tyd berigte en kommentaar oor die SAPS verteenwoordigend van verskeie partye. Dit gaan oor die SAPS en nie oor polisiële beleid nie – HBH.

WARRANT OFFICER ABBAY (PAPPA) NAIDU: CALLED TO SERVE MAN AND GOD Col Logan Govender Photograph Warrant Officer Abbay Naidu Warrant Officer Abbay “Pappa was born on 01 February 1926 at Ravensworth, Dalton, KwaZulu Natal. (Ravensworth, Dalton is over 50 km, approximately 45 min from Pietermaritzburg. Logan Govender-[LG]) He joined the South African Police on 1949-04-19.

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Photograph This is a historic group photograph of some of the Indian SA Policemen stationed in and around Pietermaritzburg from the 1940’s to late 1950’s. Courtesy Colonel Henry Budhram. Seated front row : - From left to right - CT Pillay (Dad of Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay); 2nd Sergeant Budram (Dad of Colonel Henry Budram); 3rd Sergeant Ebrahim (whose son was in Troop11, stationed at Loop Street) 4th Sergeant Naidoo (Dad of former Pietermaritzburg Chief Traffic Officer – George Naidoo); 5th Sergeant Mariemuthu6, Mountain Rise, (My Dad, Logan Govender); 6th Eddie Naidoo. Middle row -From left to right -2nd from left – Bally Gokul; Ramsumar Maharaj; Unknown; Puckree (Son stationed in Loop Street); Cattigan; Cattigan; (Dad of late Sergeant Dennis Ponnusami - Troop 19 - 1973). Rear row, from left - David; Doop Maharaj (Son owns Maharaj Coaches); Unknown; Haffajee, (friend of Colonel Budram Dad); Constable A Naidu (Warrant Officer) from Plessislaer (Dad of Vis from Road Traffic Inspectorate). ”The Black uniform7 was utilised by all population groups up until 1956. Everyone used the helmet with the Crown of the Union above the star. In 1961 only the uniform of white members were changed to Blue / Grey. Non-White (Black, Coloured and Indian members)8 I have noticed in Natal that it happed that the Indian children and their father’s surname differ. Some Indian policemen only had one name e.g., Const Danarajh. Col Logan Govender’s father is Sgt Mariemuthu - HBH. 7 My Father wore Blue/Black up to 1956. When he went to Court, he wore Blue/Black. After 1956 he wore only khaki – a black cap with a khaki cap cover. The Mounted Police also had a blue jacket but then wore Khaki on patrol – HBH. 8 Non-Whites later wore khaki like the whites – HBH. 6

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only changed over from end of 1979. According to Captain Sada Pillay of Platoon 30 a set of khaki (drab) and one of new blue were issued to them at the Police College.” Brigadier Hennie Heymans - (HBH).

Photograph Sergeant A Naidu is awarded The South African Police Medal for Faithful Service, (For Long Service and Exemplary Conduct) by the Divisional Commissioner, Natal Inland Division, Brigadier WT Murray.; Lieutenant JM Fontini standing alongside with the silk cushion bearing the medal. (This was the first, such, Parade held in Pietermaritzburg at The Northdale Soccer and Sports Stadium, during 1967. I attended the parade as my late Dad, Sergeant Mariemuthu was also a recipient of The South African Police Star for Merit, (For 30 years Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct.) One of the dignitaries was a former prominent Pietermaritzburg businessman and Member of the Indian Local Affairs Committee, Mr Barry Naidoo. -[LG]).

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Photograph All recipients of medals and some of the officiating dignitaries seated after the the medals were awarded. In the background is Sergeant [Detective] Narainsamy Naidoo; seated from left Sergeant Abbay (Pappa) Naidu; Sergeant Mariemuthu (my Dad); Brigadier Piet Kemp; Brigadier WT Murray; Constable Budhoo (Greytown); Detective Pakiry. COMMENTS FROM MAJOR GENERAL DIRK SCHOEMAN Major General Dirk Schoeman was the Station Commander at Plessislaer from December 1976 till December 1982. Thereafter he was transferred to Greytown District as District Commandant in December 1982 “Good day Logan, i mmensely appreciated the photo's you shared with me. The Brigadier is indeed Brigadier Piet Kemp. He was the Divisional Inspector. Did not tolerate any nonsense, very strict. Take care. Kind regards, Dirk Schoeman. -(DS)”

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Photograph This is an historic group photograph: SA Police, Station Commander and Staff Plessislaer, December 1969. Courtesy of the family of late Warrant Officer Vartharajaloo Naidoo. Ms Crystal Naidoo, the daughter of the late Warrant Officer Vartharajaloo Naidoo contacted me and informed me that her mother Mrs Naidoo, whilst clearing out the basement at her home discovered, a group photograph dated December, 1969. When this historic photograph was delivered to me I read the caption imprinted onto it as “Station Commander and Staff Pietermaritzburg”, I was confused as members intimated to me that both Naidoo and Maharaj were stationed elsewhere at this time. However, later whilst chatting to Sergeant Dudley Maharaj, 85 years old the following day he insisted that he recalls the photo shoot taken at Plessislaer. NOT Pietermaritzburg. Maharaj recollected some important facts that confirms it was Plessislaer, WITHOUT even seeing the photograph. 1. It was taken on the staircase outside the charge office at the front entrance to the station building; After a closer examination I could identify it myself as I served at Plessislaer myself for almost ten years as a commissioned officer; 107 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

2. Maharaj mentioned that the Station Commander was Captain Knight but he was subsequently transferred to Belleville in the Western Cape; 3. Warrant Officer Barkhuizen; 4. T/Sergeant Biggs owned a farm in Wartburg Road, Pietermaritzburg; 5. He spoke about Sergeants V Naidoo; A Naidu; Somaru; Constables Kurmunundh and D/Constable Asaram. 6. COMMENTS FROM MAJOR GENERAL DIRK SCHOEMAN “Good afternoon, will come back to soon as possible in more detail. Captain William Knight was transferred to Plessislaer as Station Commander and Louise Walden as the typist. Louise Walden was still there when I arrived at Plessislaer in Dec 76 and when I was transferred to Greytown in Dec 82 as District Commandant. Louse the most brilliant typist I ever encountered. She was able to compile summaries of heavy dockets for the Attorney General and State Attorney. Kind regards, Dirk. - (DS) “Good morning, Logan, in responding to my previous email i want to pass the following remarks. Very special photo of 1969. I was then the Station Commander at Donnybrook. I remember Sergeant Biggs, Mostert, Warrant Officer Barkhuizen, Captain Knight, Sergeant Van den Berg, Etheridge, A. Naidu and Mfeka. Captain Knight later transferred to Plessislaer as Station Commander. Was a very dynamic personality and got things on the move. Sergeant Naidu later Warrant Officer servant of God, of impeccable character. Fetch the children from Scottsville school for many years. Sgt Van den Berg an extremely conscientious worker. Unfortunately developed serious lung problems whilst at Plessislaer. I passed remarks on Louise Walden on previous occasion. She was brilliant typist. Kind regards. Dirk Schoeman Trust this has been some help. - (DS)” Promotions 1957-12-25 Constable to 2nd Class Sergeant 1958-12-25 2nd Class Sergeant to Senior Sergeant Medals 1967-04-19 SAP Medal for Faithful Service, 10 years; 1979-05-01 SA Police, Star for Faithful Service, 20 years; ? SA Police, Star for Merit 30 years.

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Photograph A group photo of stalwart members of Plessislaer presumably before Warrant Officer Naidu’s retirement in 1982. From L-R, Warrant Officers xx, Joshua Gwala, late (first Black, Communications Officer in Pietermaritzburg, Lieutenant-Colonel); A Naidu, late; Sergeant xx On 1982-07-31 after 34 years of loyal, faithful and meritorious service to the South African Police and the various communities he retired and served in the Ministry.

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The Station Commander of Plessislaer, Captain Dirk Schoeman, (Major General) is seen presenting Warrant Officer A Naidu with The South African Police Star for Faithful Service, For 20 years Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct together with a Certificate for his loyal, faithful and meritorious service of 34 years.

Photograph Photo taken at Warrant Officer Naidu’s farewell. From, L-R, Captain Christo Nel, Head of Detective Branch, Plessislaer at the time; Captain Dirk Schoeman, (The Station Commander of Plessislaer at the time, Major General); Captain D (Bob) Sewpersad, (The Station Commander of Mountain Rise at the time.); Warrant Officer A Naidu; Mrs Naidu; Captain Shaka Ngcobo; Sergeant in uniform standing behind, presumably the Programme Director, not identified at this stage.

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Image Echo

Caption ‘Sergeant’ hangs up his law gloves From L-R, Captain Shaka Ngcobo, late (Brigadier); Warrant Officer A ‘Sergeant’ Naidu, late; Lieutenant Aaron B Pillay, late (Lieutenant-Colonel) 111 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Image Caption ‘Sergeant’ hangs up his law gloves by Khaba Mkhize A well-known Plessislaer policeman, Warrant Officer A Naidu, affectionately known as “Sergeant” by locals, retired last month after 33 years in the Force. During his retirement he will continue with his voluntary church work at the Bethel Assembly parish in Newholmes where he lives with his family. “I have enjoyed my long service as a lawman in Plessislaer and I used to get on well with the community there. That is why I would like the people I was serving to know through Echo that I have hung my law gloves on the wall,” Mr Naidoo said. He joined the SAP in 1949 during the hard times when Indians and Africans were involved in a devastating racial fight. “Apart from that bloody squabble, (“A total of 142 people died in the ensuing violence. Among them were 87 Africans, 50 Indians, 1 white and 4 unclassified people. A further 1,087 persons were injured – 541 Africans, 503 Indians, 32 whites and 11 Coloureds. Buildings which were completely destroyed in the riots included 247 houses, 58 shops and one factory, while other properties that were damaged numbered one thousand houses, over six hundred shops and two factories.”- South African History Online. I included-[LG]) things were tough in those days for a policeman and to survive in the SAP one had to be touch too.” What advice would you give to the policemen you are leaving behind? “The future is bright for them as long as they further their careers by studying; I see no reason why they can’t make it to the top. And the rewards are great because at the moment the Force has better financial benefits for dedicated people.” In conclusion Mr Naidoo urged the policeman to cultivate discipline because it was the best too for a man who is there to uphold law and order.”

Image The Graduation Ceremony of Pastor GA Naidu (Pappa) 01/02/1926 - 17/11/2009 112 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Psalms 18v25 To the faithful, You will show yourself Faithful; To those with integrity, You show integrity

Image OBITUARY OF PASTOR GA NAIDU (PAPPA) Pastor GA Naidu was born on 1st February 1926 in Ravensworth, Dalton. He was the 2nd of 9 children. In 1935 he started his primary school education at the Esther Payne Smith School in Pentrich and completed in 1940. Due to circumstances, he was compelled to go out to work. He started as a pageboy at Royal Hotel in 1941. In 1946 he moved to Port Elizabeth and filled a vacancy at the Grand Hotel. There he met Joyce and married her in 1946. 113 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

In 1948 he and Joyce returned to Pietermaritzburg. He then continued to work as a waiter at the Horse Shoe Hotel until he joined the Police Force on the 19 April 1949. He was stationed at Plessislaer were he retired after 34 years of faithful service. Papa & Joyce were blessed with 3 children - Nathan, Sivid & Vis. In 1953 Papa’s life was transformed after accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour in Mount Partridge. He was baptised in August of the same year and immediately answered the call to start serving in the body of Christ. In 195) Bethel was born and Pappa was one of the pioneers. He was elected secretary of the church and held this position for many years. Pappa and Pastor I’ll were the only 2 members from the original council who have been in office since. In 1982 Pappa retired from the Police Force and devoted his life to serve the Lord on a voluntary basis at Bethel Assembly. Papa was a dedicated, beloved father & will be sadly missed by his children - Nathan & Parba, Sivie & Nine, Vis & Theresa; his grandchildren - Denise & Ray, Bradley & Sharon, Clinton, Christopher, Roxanne, Jeremy: his great grandchildren - Caleb, Joshua & Makyla. Galatians 6v9 Do not get weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The kind assistance of the under mentioned persons is hereby acknowledged 1. Colonel Henry Budram for his kind assistance and guidance is appreciated. He furnished the photograph and assisted in the identification of some of the members; 2. Brigadier Hennie Heymans (HBH) for publishing; 3. Mr Vis Naidu & family for providing all photographs, media clippings and the graduation programme, unless otherwise indicated; 5. Lieutenant-Colonel Naleen (Jiles) Maharaj; 6. Brigadier PV Pillay, Provincial Head, Inspectorate: Free State for locating the family of Warrant Officer A Naidu; 7. Major General Dirk Schoeman, a former Station Commander of Warrant Officer A Naidu, for his invaluable information regarding persons in some of the historic photographs; 8. The family of Warrant Officer Vartharajaloo Naidoo for the historic group photograph of the staff at Plessislaer taken in 1969; 9. South African History Online; 10. Last but by no means the least my dear family for their patience, perseverance, endurance and understanding. Logan Govender

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BLITSPATROLLIE: PRETORIA TOE EN NOU AO Gert “Fish” Visagè

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HUWELIK: KONSTABEL JG (‘STERK-HANS’) DREYER EN MEV HESTER DREYER J Pittaway

Let op nek-nommers, beredehandskoene en seremoniële bloubaadjie vir beredepolisie – HBH.

BISKOP DESMOND TUTU OORLEDE Rudolph de Villiers 116 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Menige oud-polisiemanne sal dalk vandag nie met my saamstem nie, maar dit is hul volste reg. Vanoggend sien ek dat Biskop Tutu vanoggend in die ouderdom van 90 oorlede is. Ek is persoonlik van mening dat Suid Afrika een van sy groot seuns vandag verloor het. Kyk, in die Apartheid-era was Desmond 'n doring in die vlees vir die Nasionale Party, en het hy menige polisieman se hare laat regop staan! Na 1994 was hy ook weer net so 'n doring in die ANC-regering se agterent! Desmond Tutu was na my mening 'n sosiale aktivis wat werklik vir die mense wat swaar gekry en onderdruk is, ingestaan het. Ja, ons het nie altyd met sy uitlatings saamgestem nie, maar hy het ook na die anderkant ook sy tong geswaai! Hier in die middel-nat-winter 1990 het ek as SB (stasiebevelvoerder) op Houtbaai 'n onwettige optog van plakkers moes keer. Hulle wou 'n petisie aan my by die polisiestasie gaan afgee, maar wou in massa daarheen stap om hul punt te maak. Ek het hulle met my 12 man in Princess-straat nie ver van hul plakkershutte voorgekeer. Dit is toe dat ek sien Biskop Desmond Tutu is by hulle. Hy en nog 'n paar voorbokke het toe na my gestap, Desmond met sy togas en staf soos Moses s'n. Die SAUK se kameramanne was ook daar en daardie aand is die hele nat petalje op TV Nuus uitgesaai. Ek het aan hom verduidelik dat dit 'n onwettige optog is en dat hy die mense na hul blyplek moet terugstuur. So het Desmond seker so vier keer heen en weer boodskappe oorgedra, en eindelik my voorstel aanvaar dat hy en vyf leiers van sy groep met die petisie na my polisiestasie kan stap. Ek het dadelik vir my sekretaresse by die stasie laat weet om die beste teestel en koekies reg te kry in my kantoor, en stoele daar uit te pak. Dit was 'n goeie ent wat hulle moes stap, en dit het sommer lekker gereën. Toe hulle by die kantoor kom, was hulle behoorlik nat, en ek dink nie hulle het verwag dat ek hulle in my kantoor sou ontvang nie, nog minder tee en koekies aanbied! In elk geval, ek het die petisie ontvang, Desmond en sy trawante het hul tee gedrink en my koekies opgeëet, en ek het hom 'n handdruk gegee. Die plakkery probleem in Houtbaai het reeds vroeg in die 80's begin, en is tot vandag nog nie opgelos nie. Vandag is daar 'n swart woonbuurt direk langs miljoenêrs wonings met ongeveer 20000 inwoners. Die hartseer van die plakker probleem oral in ons land, is dat die polisie destyds as die skuldiges uitgewys is, maar dit was eintlik die grond eienaars en plaaslike regerings wat nie bereid was om betyds hofgedinge in te stel nie. Die gevolg was dus dat die invloei van plakkers soms oornag plaasgevind het, en dan moes die polisie instaan en redes verskaf vir die onregmatige plakkery. Ek moes selfs voor 'n paneel van ministers en senior amptenare by die parlement gaan verduidelik wat in Houtbaai aan die gebeur was. Vandag gebeur plakkery in Adderley-straat en geen haan kraai daaroor nie! Biskop Desmond, rus sag, jy het jou kant vir Suid Afrika gedoen. Ten minste het ek en jy darem saam tee kon drink!"

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RUACANA... SHOULD OLD ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOTTEN...? Op die foto hiernaas verskyn ek en my bloedbroer Ikasa Imasa sy aan sy, soos van ouds. Hy was ons nommer twee Casspir-bestuurder gedurende die laaste jare van die Grensoorlog. Baie kere het hy ook my Casspir bestuur. Hy en sy dogter het vir my, vroulief Riana Steyn Prinsloo en Skoonma Chrissie Steyn kom groet op Ruacana toe ek op 20 Desember 2017 op my spore gaan terugloop het. Sy dogter was so 'n jaar of wat oud toe ons weë geskei is destyds. So oud soos my eie dogter Luandri Prinsloo. Wat 'n wonderlike verrassing! Ikasa het net voor die April 1989 inval by ons op Ruacana Veiligheidstak weggebreek en Opuwo in die Kaokoveld toe gegaan. Daar by Koevoet se Zulu 5 gaan aansluit, saam met Kaptein Nic Peens en andere. Ek onthou hom as 'n vurige makker, nie net as 'n bestuurder nie, maar ook een wat hom met die eerste en beste geleentheid uitgedraai het om te kon spore hardloop saam met die spoorsnyers. Hy was in die Casspir agter my toe ons daardie massiewe landmynkombinasie langs die dorp afgetrap het. Aiê, Chindele (swart Angolese benaming vir witman), het hy gesê. Ek het gedog julle het gevrek! Hy was baie dankbaar dat ek dit oorleef het, om hom nog daarna lekker rond te jaag en paraat te hou! Met my onlangse besoek het hy gehoor dat ek op Ruacana was. Hy het ná die oorlog by SWAWEK (nou Nampower) aangesluit en is ondergronds by die kragstasie werksaam om elektrisiteit aan Namibië te voorsien. Hy het die mees suksesvolle beampte uitgedraai van al my Ovambo spoorsnyermakkers in die gevegspan. En hy het sy dogter saamgebring, want sy wou al die jare nog vir Kollie van Ruacana ontmoet. Haar vader se gevegspanmaat en bevelvoerder tydens die "Namibian War of Liberation". Sy is vandag 'n senior beampte in die Namibiese Weermag, gesetel in die ou Owamboland (Kunene Provinsie). Ek en Ikasa het heerlik gesels in die sitkamer van oud-kollega en makker Roy Bassingthwaighte, Ikasa se huidige kollega by Nampower, se woning op Ruacana. Hy het my op hoogte gebring met die welstand van baie van ons oud-makkers en ook dié wie ons vooruit is. Soos ou Kasupi, my hulp-gunner op die nommer een Casspir. Wie ek so mooi gelas het toe 'n pom-z hom so vol gate geskiet het in die berge wes van Ruacana, en toe met 'n Puma af ge-casevac het Ondangwa toe. Ou John Alberto Hayes, my mede Angolees en halwe Dorslandtrekker afstammeling, wie ek en Swaer Bertie Steyn uit die Olusandjadam by Epalela van verdrinking gered het. Kollega Sersant Petrus Sheimi, my leermeester en rigtingwyser... wat 'n paar kontakte saam met my oorlewe het terwyl ek nog in die SAP Uniformtak was. Die Ngatjombe-broers op die nommer drie Casspir. Ou Hidipo Shiweda en Tobias Nekongo. Nog 'n paar ander... saluut, my broers, RIV! Ikasa se dogter, as lid van die Namibiese Weermag, het my met groot respek bejeën toe ons gesels het. Sy wou so graag hê dat ek nie vir Namibië moet vergeet nie. My taak is nog nie afgehandel nie, het sy gesê. As ek aftree, moet ek terugkom, daar is nog baie jare voor my wat ek 'n bydrae kan maak tot die land waarvoor ek so hard geveg het. Sy het onthou dat die stories oor kampvure versprei is dat ek President Sam Nujoma se "lyfwag" was. Hulle Kollie van wesOvamboland! En toe gee beide Ikasa en sy dogter vir my die grootste verrassing in 'n lang tyd... Haar moeder Julia (Ikasa se eerste en enigste vrou) is al die afgelope tien jaar en langer die kookster vir President Sam Nujoma op sy plaas suid van Ruacana! En dat my naam so nou en dan genoem word in gesprekke. Sam Nujoma het my nie vergeet nie... 118 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

In stille nabetragting is ek intens bly oor een ding... in die tien en 'n halfjaar wat ek ononderbroke op die Grens was, het ek die regte ding gedoen. Ongeag die landmyne wat ek afgetrap het. Die kontakte en die enkele lokvalle wat ek oorleef het. Die PLAN lede wat voor ons wapens geval het. Ek het SWAPO se PLAN as 'n waardige teenstander beskou en hanteer. Baie van dié wie voor ons geval het, het ons begrawe. In die veld of langs die dorp... net anderkant die Weermag se mynvelde. Hoekom? Van dié wie voor ons wapens gesneuwel het, was broers, susterskinders of neefs van my eie spoorsnyers... Soos Nicodemus, terroris of vryheidsvegter - susterskind van my swart spanleier op die gevegspan. Ek het sy graf help grou in die sandveld by Oshanaputa, net suid van Mahenene - omdat sy vader Festus Iyambo 'n gewaardeerde vriend van my was, en ek sy lyk huis toe gebring het. Ikasa het 'n groot waarheid kwytgeraak toe ons omhels en gegroet het. "Kollie... ons het die oorlog reg gedoen. Dis hoekom ons nou kan praat!" Só waar, my broer... ons is nie skaam oor ons verlede nie, want ons oud-vyande eer ons vandag oor ons vermoë, vasberadenheid, sukses en... broederskap! Ek was 'n Security Aide vir Sam Nujoma ná die Grensoorlog, en een van my makkers/spoorsnyers se eggenote is nou al reeds vir tien jaar en meer die kookster vir hom. Hoe dan nou anders? Het ons die vertroue gewen en verdien van ons voormalige vyand? Ek dink so... al my manne wat onder my bevel geveg het, is óf in die Namibiese Weermag opgeneem, of in Nampol. Andere, soos Ikasa, het suksesvolle beamptes geword in Staatsinstansies. Of hulle eie besighede met sukses en sonder vrees vir vervolging aan die gang gekry en bedryf. Tog, PLAN van SWAPO het geweet van ons. Bospolisiemanne van Ruacana, in die verre wesOvamboland, en dit sê alles...

Calvinia Kol Louis Langenhoven

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POLISIESIELKUNDE: PERSOONLIKHEIDSTREKKE VAN POLISIEBEAMPTES Dr Coert Mommsen ‘n Artikel in die Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology van Maart 2005 getiteld Police personality: What is it and why are they like that? Deur Glasner A.T., van die Bridgewater State University, VSA, DOI: 10.1007/BF02806707, tref sy ‘n vergelyking tussen die stereotipe beeld van die huidige en vroeëre Amerikaanse Polisiebeampte as volg: “Die eienskappe wat gewoonlik tans met polisie persoonlikheid geassosieer word, is manlikheid, braafheid, outoritêr, skepties en aggressief. Bykomende eienskappe sluit die volgende in: agterdogtig, solidaristies, konserwatief, vervreemd en beskermende vegter (Balch, 1977, Skolnick,1977). Die huidige begrip van die polisiepersoonlikheid verskil hemelswyd met dié van drie of vier dekades gelede: Die beeld van ‘n gelukkige Ierse polisieman die vriendelike beampte wat gedurende sy patrollie stop om ‘n kind se vlieër uit ‘n boom te haal - of om ‘n tiener aan te spreek wat laat nog op straat is (Balch, 1977, p.26) Hierdie artikel handel oor persoonlikheidseienskappe van polisiebeamptes soos verkry uit oorsese bronne. Die eienskappe hierin vervat is dus nie noodwendig karaktertrekke of eienskappe wat van Suid Afrikaanse Polisiebeamptes vereis word nie, maar eerder om ‘n beeld te gee aan die eise wat aan die polisiebeamptes se kollegas in ander wêrelddele gestel word. Een van die baie volledige uiteensettings van polisiebeampte-persoonlikheidseienskappe, is dié van Bainbridge Eiland in die staat Washington in die VSA. Die Eiland lê net wes van Seattle. Volgens die webblad https://www.police1.com/law-enforcement-directory/police-departments/bainbridge-island-policedepartment-bainbridge-island-wa-OYHLS1eFJUjvuM6q/ beskik hierdie stasie oor ‘n mannekrag van 22 beamptes. Die Bainbridge Polisie departement het ‘n lys opgestel van 86 persoonlikheidseienskappe waarna gestrewe word vir lede in lede van die Departement. Benewens hierdie eienskappe omskryf hulle die volgende agt trekke: “Sleutel eienskappe wat oorweeg moet word “- Uiteensetting: 1. “Effektiewe kommunikasievaardighede – Die vermoë om op 'n duidelike, bondige en selfversekerde wyse te kommunikeer, uitgangspunte is oortuigend, duidelik verstaanbaar, goed georganiseer, ondersteun en konsentreer direk op die onderwerp ter sprake 2. Gemeenskap georiënteerdheid – Die erkenning van - en begrip vir gemeenskap aangeleenthede, kwessies en kwellings. Begrip vir die rol van die polisiebeampte binne 'n gemeenskap opset en buite die wetstoepassings omgewing. Begrip vir die belangrikheid van ‘n polisie-gemeenskap vennootskap en die uitwys van probleme sowel as die ontwikkeling van oplossings. 3. Interpersoonlike Vaardighede – beskik oor die vermoë om na ander te luister, te verstaan en effektief hierop te reageer ten einde inligting, samewerking of oplossing te bekom ten einde samewerking of resolusie te bewerkstellig. Ingesteld en bedrewe daarin om ander se motiverings en behoeftes te verstaan insluitend om probleme op te los 4. Respek vir die individu - openbaar ‘n begrip vir en ‘n vermoë om met ander van verskillende agtergrond houdings menings en oortuigings saam te werk. Beskou mense as unieke individue wanneer probleme opgelos moet word. 5. Gesonde oordeel / Redeneervermoë / Probleemoplossing – Demonstreer 'n logiese verloop van aksie wat gegrond is op standvastig beginsels. Prioritiseer besluite ooreenkomstig die belangrikheid van aangeduide eise. 6. Eerlikheid en integriteit - Onderhou hoë morele standaarde in terme van etiese- en morele beginsels. Begryp die belangrikheid van konsekwentheid van optrede en beginselvaste gedrag. Beskik oor hoë etiese verwagtings van die self en ander. Gewillig om homself/haarself te laat geld 120 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

in die teenwoord9igheid van groepdruk of potensiële bespotting en op te tree met eer en integriteit . Beginselvas. Onomkoopbaar/onverdorwelik. 7. Spanwerk. Demonstreer die vermoë om suksesvol as deel van ‘n span saam te werk. Begryp die meervoudige rolle van spanlede en die belangrikheid van gesamentlik pogings. 8. Volharding - vasberade en versigtig. Deursettingsvermoë. Volharding – Vasberade en bestendige volharding in die uitoefening van 'n aktiwiteit of doel, veral ten spyte van teëspoed of aansienlike probleme of beperkte reserwes” Die bogenoemde trekke kan duidelik dien as grondslag-elemente (kern prestasie-areas in ‘n prestasie beloning sisteem vir die bevordering van beamptes (Jaarlikse meriete-beoordelings), of By die keuring van nuwe magslede. Die Goodwin Universiteit (VSA) beskryf die agtergrond van Wetstoepassing as volg: “Polisiebeamptes het ‘n edel beroep. Hulle is ‘n bron van veiligheid vir die algemene publiek. Met die druk van ‘n knoppie kan jy die bystand kry wat jy dringend benodig. Of jy nou in ‘n motorongeluk betrokke was of vrees dat iemand besig is om by jou huis in te breek, is die mense wat jy nodig het om jou te beskerm, die polisie.” Toegewydheid aan die gemeenskap https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/police-officer-qualities-and-qualifications In haar artikel getiteld: Police Personality: What Is It and Why Are They Like That? Skryf Aviva Twersky-Glasner van die City University of New York, VSA, die volgende: “In hierdie tye beskou die meeste mense polisiebeamptes as geïdealiseerde “super konstabels” wanneer hulle uitgebeeld word as wrede en sadistiese polisiebeamptes deur akteurs soos die Mel Gibson in die film “Lethal Weapon” en Denzel Washington in die film “Training Day.”” In haar artikel bespreek Glasner die perosonlikheidsteorieë van verskeie bekende teoretici en verskillende hipoteses rondom die persoonlikheid van die polisiebeampte en hoe dit gevorm word: Word dit deur die werk self gevorm of is dit ŉ besondere (aangebore CM*?) aanleg? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226873077 p.56 Volgens Glasner: “Word ons persepsies oor polisiebeamptes deur populêre kultuur sowel as die media gevorm. Dit is soos hulle ís en hoe hulle optree.” Sy meen verder: Wat egter selde erken word of, trouens bekend is, is dat polisiebeamptes streng siftings prosedures ondergaan vóór hulle aanstelling in die Departement. Die doel van siftingsprosesse is hoofsaaklik om die beste kandidate te huur. Die mees belangrike doel van sifting ten opsigte van die polisiepersoonlikheid is dat slegs kandidate wat spesifieke persoonlikheidstrekke toon, geselekteer word vir die Mag. Pre-aanstelling sifting verskaf ‘n basislyn persoonlikheid konstruk/model wat met dié van ervare beamptes vergelyk kan word.” (“pre-employment psychological screening provides a baseline personality construct from which to compare the construct of the experienced officers.”) Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 2005, Volume 20, Number 1. p.58 “Gebruiklike siftingsprosesse het verskeie doelwitte, maar die belangrikste hou verband met die aanstelling van die mees geskikte kandidate. Slegs kandidate wat bepaalde persoonlikheidsprofiele toon, word vir die mag geselekteer. Die meeste Amerikaanse Polisie Departemente maak deesdae gebruik van sielkundiges om applikante te keur. Dit help om kandidate wat nie geskik is vir aanstelling nie, uit te skakel.” Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 2005, Volume 20, Number 1, p. 59 Die Goodwin Universiteit (VSA) beskryf die volgende aanlegte en eienskappe wat hul as belangrik by die polisiebeampte ag. Hulle meen: Polisiebeamptes werk in ‘n veeleisende psigiese en fisiese omgewing. Die mees belangrike eienskappe waaroor die polisiebeampte moet beskik, is die volgende: Fisiese fiksheid, kritiese denke, probleemoplossings vaardighede, kommunikasievaardighede interpersoonlike vaardighede sterk morele karakter toegewydheid aan die gemeenskap. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/police-officer-qualities-and-qualifications 121 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

In ŉ artikel getiteld: 6 Often Overlooked Qualities of a Great Police Officer Deur Jess Scherman van die Rasmussen Universiteit in die VSA, lys hy die volgende dikwels onderwaardeerde eienskappe van ‘n formidabele polisiebeampte as volg: “Dit is waar dat wetstoepassingskundiges geneig is om dapper en fisies fiks te wees. Maar daar is baie meer daaraan as dit: “Kommunikasie vaardighede. Hy verduidelik as volg: Trouens, bedrewe kommunikasievaardighede kan meer as net nuttig wees vir 'n polisiebeampte - dit kan noodsaaklik wees. "Wanneer jy 'n verslag skryf, kan jou spesifieke bewoording die verskil maak tussen iets bruikbaar in die hof of iets wat uitgegooi word," sê hy. Deernis en empatie. Scherman meen “Wanneer dit kom by die voortsetting van die moeilike werk van die polisiebeampte, het jy dalk jou simpatieke persoonlikheid as 'n nadeel beskou. Die vermoë wat jy egter opgedoen het om empatie te toon tenoor jou kinders, broers en susters of vriende te bewys, kan uiteindelik handig te pas kom by die werk.” "Ons het tans goeie polisiebeamptes nodig”, meen hy. “Nou, meer as ooit, het ons mense nodig wat omgee vir die werk en rapport met die publiek sal bou." Eerbaarheid. Indien jy die soort mens is wat altyd hoë gehalte werk lewer (of dit nou in die teenwoordigheid van ‘n senior is of nie) beskik jy reeds oor een van die top-gehalte eienskappe van ‘n polisiebeampte. Onderhandelingsvaardighede: Indien jy al ooit in die posisie was waar jy ‘n familielid tydens ‘n moeilike fase moes bystaan deur ‘n probleem uit te pluis en oplossings of dalk beskik jy oor die vermoë om ‘n probleem deur te werk en ander te oortuig van die korrekte plan van aksie of om toepaslik op te tree. Hierdie vaardighede val onder die oorkoepelende begrip van onderhandeling – een van die kern karaktereienskappe van ‘n polisiebeampte Leergierigheid. ‘Mense wat van nuuskierig van geaardheid is en bereidwillig is om hul kennis en vermoëns te verbeter beskik oor die potensiaal om ‘n redelike impak as ‘n polisiebeampte te maak. Ten spyte daarvan dat Polisiebeamptes goeie opleiding ontvang voordat hulle tot die beroep toetree, is daar altyd iets wat hulle tydens diens sal moet leer. Die skrywer van die artikel wys daarop dat polisiemotors aanvanklik toegerus was met eenvoudige radio’s. Vandag word sommige voertuie met rekenaars toegerus. Beamptes moet die gebruik hiervan bemeester. Wette verander ook voortdurend. Hy wys ook daarop dat gebruik van dwelms jaarliks toeneem. Baie beamptes (in die VSA) woon gereeld konferensies en klasse by wat parallel aan hul professie loop. Verstandelike bekwaamheid. Selfs al was jy nie een van daardie studente wat die hoogste punte in elke standerd gekry het nie, is jy miskien die soort mens wat geseënd is met goeie gesonde verstand. As jy weet hoe om ‘n vertrek te lees en jou gesprek of houding aan te pas soos nodig, sal jy floreer in polisiëring. Beamptes wat ‘n situasie benader met vooropgestelde idees – wat nie hul versigtig observeer en hul verwagtings aanpas nie – gaan nie baie suksesvol wees nie, meen die skrywer. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/blog/overlooked-qualities-ofpolice-officer/

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NONGQAI TRUST | IT 002701/2018(T)

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THANK YOU! | DANKIE!

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1957: NASIONALE VEILIGHEIDSBESTUUR Mnr GP Jooste: Departement van Buitelandse Sake

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• KOMMENTAAR Mnr AP Stemmet Mnr AP Stemmet – betrokke by die Nasionale Veiligheidsbestuurstelsel destyds by die departement van die Eerste Minister berig soos volg: Hennie, Baie interessant. Hierdie mense was op die regte pad maar hoekom sou hierdie inisiatief doodgeloop het? Ons moet onsself sover as moontlik probeer terugplaas in die situasie in die Unie van Suid Afrika en die wêreld in 1957: • Mnr Hans Strydom was die Eerste Minister • Eric Louw was Minister van Buitelandse Sake • C R Swart was Minister van Justisie en Polisie. • G P Jooste was die Sekretaris van Buitelandse Sake Ek onthou hulle almal en was toe al in Justisie maar was te junior om so, 'n uiters geheime dokument te sien. Die Nodale Punt is belangrik. Ons by Tak Veiligheidsbeplanning by die EM se departement in 1980 het nogal gedink ons het dit uitgevind! Hoekom sou die hoof van Buitelandse Sake die dokument uitgestuur het? Ek dink dit is omdat Eric Louw die minister van daardie departement was. Hy was die sterkman in die kabinet na Mnr Strydom. Hy het baie in die buiteland beweeg waar hy eerstehands kon ervaar hoe kommunisme groot dele van die wêreld ingesluk het. Ons moet ook onthou dat die regering ‘n helse vrees vir kommunisme gehad het, dat die koue oorlog fel gewoed het en dat die Unie se regering met ‘n "skoonmaak proses" besig was. Mense is by die hope as kommuniste gelys ingevolge die Wet op die Onderdrukking van Kommunisme, 1950, wat outomaties sekere beperkings ingehou het. Toe ek in 1964 by Justisie se hoofkantoor aangeland het, was daar geen sprake daarvan dat hierdie opdrag van die regering nog gegeld het nie. Daar was wel ‘n Afdeling Landsveiligheid waarin ek soms betrek is maar hul taak was inperkings en lys van kommuniste op aanbeveling van SAP( V). Jammer ek is te jonk om meer te onthou. Groete. AP Stemmet

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KORT OORSKOU: DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE GEMEENSKAP IN HISTORIESE KONTEKS

INTELLIGENSIE-

Dr WP Steenkamp Interessant, die brief en Mr. A.P. Stemmet se waardevolle toeligting, Brig. Hennie. Die behoefte aan ‘n eie intelligensie-vermoë kom ‘n lang pad: van die dae van die Z.A.R. se afdeling Geheime Politie van die Zarp’s, deur die koloniale era van die Unie – toe die Britte die kitaar geslaan het – na Republiekwording, toe die Britse model uiteindelik met die Amerikaanse vervang is. Die Veiligheidstak van die S.A. Polisie(SAP-VT) is in 1939 gestig, kort voor die 2e Wêreldoorlog, geskoei op Scotland Yard se Special Branch. Die UnieVerdedigingsmag het die oorlog ingegaan met ‘n beperkte intelligensie-vermoë en was hoofsaaklik van die Britte afhanklik. Die Dept. van Buitelandse Sake (wat eers in 1927 tot stand gekom het, na die Imperiale Konferensie van 1926 die statuur van die “wit” Gemenebes-lande as internasionale rolspelers in eie reg erken het) was ook geskoei op die Britse model, maar anders as die Foreign and Commonwealth Office het dit nie ‘n eie intelligensie-komponent soos die Secret Intelligence Service of “MI6” bevat nie (die SIS is ‘n afdeling van die FCO). Kolonel Deneys Reitz het reeds vroeg gedurende 2eWO gepleit vir Suid-Afrikaanse intelligensiekoördinasie; die Britte wou nie eintlik byt aan die daarstel van bekoorlike institusionele eweknieë nie, maar daar is wel ‘n interdepartementele komitee geskep wat gereeld onder voorsitterskap van Prof. Ernst Malherbe byeen gekom het. Dit was egter ‘n oorlogtydse fenomeen wat ook baie op propaganda en die opbou van moraal gefokus was (nie net intelligensie nie), met die Britte wat steeds die hoëvlakse insameling op internasionale terrein hanteer het, en gedeel het wat hulle wou. Die bewindsaanvaarding van die Nasionale Party-regering na die 1948-verkiesing het die Britte nog meer teensinnig gemaak om te nou betrokke te wees by Suid-Afrikaanse intelligensieaspekte, alhoewel die Security Service (MI5) meer waarde daaraan geheg het om goeie bande te behou met die SAP-VT as die meer liberale SIS. Betreffende die brief van Buitelandse Sake (DBS), moet onthou word dat dié departement altoos direk onder die Eerste Minister geval het, gesetel ook in die Uniegebou – dit was eers in 1955 dat Mnr Eric Louw as die heel eerste Minister van Buitelandse Sake aangestel is. Die DBS was dus (soos Mnr Stemmet verduidelik) goed geplaas om weer die kole aan te blaas (wat na die 2e Wêreldoorlog prakties doodgegaan had), oor die noodsaak van die daarstelling van ‘n behoorlike eie intelligensie-kapasiteit. Eerste Minister Strijdom is egter jonk oorlede (Augustus 1958) en sy opvolger, Dr. HF Verwoerd, het nie hierdie ‘n prioriteit gemaak nie. Republiekwording in 1961 het uiteraard die Britte nog meer in hulle doppe laat terugtrek. Generaal “Lang Hendrik” van den Bergh (wat as jong polisieman gedurende die 2eWO sonder verhoor interneer is oor sy teenstand teen deelname aan die oorlog, saam met Adv. John Vorster) het in 1960 hoof geword van die SAP-VT. Hy het goeie betrekkinge gehad met die Amerikaners (CIA) en ook met die Duitse Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND – wat self ook op die Amerikaanse lees geskoei was). Ten einde te begin om ‘n eie intelligensie-kapasiteit daar te stel, het Genl. Van den Bergh in 1961 R.I. (Republikeinse Intelligensie) gestig, vanuit die SAP-VT. Na Adv. Vorster in 1966 Eerste Minister geword het, het die fokus op die noodsaak vir ‘n gekoördineerde intelligensie-kapasiteit verskerp en is die destydse Buro vir Staatsveiligheid (BSV) in Mei 1969 gestig. As gevolg van interne struwelinge tussen die lede van die “intelligensie-gemeenskap” (veral die SAW en die BSV) is ‘n kommissie onder leiding van Regter Potgieter vier maande daarna in September 1969 aangestel om met voorstelle te kom oor die oorhoofse strukturering. 127 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Na deeglike ondersoek het dit uitgeloop op die Wet op Veiligheidsinligting en die Staatsveiligheidsraad van 1972, waarkragtens daar ‘n nasionale Veiligheidsadviseur op die Amerikaanse model (Genl. Van den Bergh) en ‘n Staatsveiligheidsraad daargestel is. Hierdie wetgewing het die koördinasie-rol aan die BSV toegeken, maar dit was steeds nie die einde van die struwelinge nie. Dit het trouens kort daarna aansienlik vererger, rondom veral die SAW se inval in Angola in 1975, en is tot ‘n punt gedryf met die ondermyning en uiteindelike bedanking van Eerste Minister Vorster, danksy die “Inligtinskandaal” wat deur “anonieme persone” (!?!) gelek is en wat in wese Suid-Afrika gestroop het van sy professionele kapasiteit om die ware aard van die aanslag (wat aller-oorheersend ‘n politieke propaganda-stryd was), effektief te beveg, met in plek daarvan ‘n oordrewe klem – ook begrotingsgewys – op militêre postuur en kapasiteitsbou, wat o.a. die SAP aan die agterspeen laat suig het; dit terwyl Polisiemag die instelling was wat primêr die aller-noodsaaklike binnelandse stabiliteit moes handhaaf. Die Wet op Veiligheidsinligting is vervolgens onder PW Botha verwring om die koördinasie-funksie onder effektiewe militêre beheer te kry, via die “seekat” van die Nasionale Veiligheidsbestuurstelsel (NVBS); dit is eers aan die einde van die Botha-bewind uiteindelik tog weer wetlik-korrek teruggeplaas by die Nasionale Intelligensiediens (die opvolger van die BSV). Die NVBS wat uit die Simonstad-“akkoord” ontstaan het, is vervolgens deur president FW de Klerk ten regte vervang met ‘n burgerlike Nasionale Koördineringsmeganisme wat weer die burgerlike / kabinetsrol in ere herstel het (LW: die persepsie dat Pres. De Klerk die NVBS afgeskaf het sonder om iets baie doelmatig in die plek daarvan te stel, is dus heeltemal onjuis – sien die NONGQAI van Desember 2021 en spesiale uitgawe van dieselfde maand: Vol 12 No. 12A). Let wel: Hierdie is my eie persoonlike belewenis van en insigte m.b.t. die onheilige binne-politiek wat onder die jammerlike ondergrawings van die sewentigs en tagtigs gekook het – dit beteken nie dat ek nie die grootste respek het vir die pogings van uitstekende amptenare (soos u self, Brig. Hennie, en Mnr. Stemmet) wat uiteraard julle bes gedoen het om die stelsel waarmee julle belas was, ten beste te laat werk nie. As mens die ware aard van die aanslag egter nou met terug-kyk ontleed, kan mens nie anders nie as om vrae te hê oor waar ons nou sou kon gewees het, indien Vorster en Van den Bergh nie destyds doelbewus met egosentriese politieke mag-sug ondergrawe is en die nasionale strategiese visie en prioritisering nie diensgevolg verwring is nie...

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GESKIEDENIS SA SPOORWEGPOLISIE

SAKE, VERHALE EN STAALTJIES

Brig Ronnie Beyl Die Ovambo met die rewolwer. ŉ Jong konstabel, wat pas sy opleiding aan die kollege voltooi het, land op Windhoek stasie. Hy was baie ywerig om sy eerste arrestasie uit te voer en kort voor lank arresteer hy ŉ groot Ovambo man. Dié verset hom teen die arrestasie en ŉ gestoei ontstaan. Om die Ovambo man aan sy arrestasie te onderwerp, dreig hy die prisonier met sy .45 rewolwer. Hiervan het die Ovambo nie veel gehou nie en hy vat toe summier die rewolwer by die jong en onervare konstabel af en stap vort my die rewolwer met die konstabel agterna wat hom smeek om sy wapen terug te gee. Die konstabel draf al smekende agter die Ovambo man aan wat met onverbiddelike gang die pad af stap. Die koddige prosessie het onverpoosd voortgegaan totdat hulle vir konstabel Visser in die rangeerwerf raakgeloop het. Visser het voorts die rewolwer by die prisonier afgeneem en het gevra wat aan die gang was. Die Ovambo se verduideliking was dat die polisieman hom wou skiet en hy het homself doodeenvoudig verdedig deur die wapen af te neem. Daar was ernstig met die jong konstabel gepraat en hy was oortuig dat hy dit nie as polisieman sou maak nie; gevolglik het hy sy bedanking ingedien en die Mag verlaat. So gebeur dit dat konstabels Jannie Nel en Natie Jacobs met ŉ klomp swart mans op Gamams sylyn in ŉ bakleiery betrokke geraak het. Nel het op ‘n stadium, toe dinge begin warm raak het, sy kollega, Natie Jacobs, net so gelos en het na die naburige huise gehardloop op soek na ŉ vuurwapen. Gelukkig het ŉ paar bruin mense die bakleiery gewaar en het hulle vir Natie Jacobs te hulp gesnel. Jannie Nel was op ŉ mooi wyse verduidelik dat hierdie daad te veel van lafhartigheid gespreek het en dat hy die eerbare weg moes volg; bedank as polisieman. Dit is toe presies wat hy toe ook gedoen het. (Elias “Striker” van Niekerk) My verlange na die ongerepte. Suidwes Afrika in die vyftiger/sestiger jare kan beskryf word as ŉ ongerepte natuurlike skoonheid waar die vernietigende hand van ontwikkeling nog nie sigbaar was nie. Dit is waarom ek Suidwes Afrika leer lief kry het. Ek is nie bewus van enige lid van die S.A. Spoorwegpolisie wat in Suidwes diens gedoen het en wat daar ongelukkig was nie. Ek verlang na die nagte wanneer ek en my swart speurder-konstabel in die noorde van Suidwes die Dodge bakkie tussen die Haak-en-Steek bosse ingeforseer en die driebeenpot uitgehaal het waarin hierdie lid vir ons kos voorberei het. Ons het geglo dat die vuur moes brand want die leeu en die tier het ŉ vrees daarvoor gehad. Die geluide van die jakkalse en roofdiere wat ons nie geken het nie, was duidelik hoorbaar wanneer die nag se stilte oor ons braaiplek toegesak het. Hulle het die bene, en alles wat ons agtergelaat het, opgetel. Speurder-sersant Petrus van Gil, my vennoot in baie suksesse, het my male sonder tal agter in die Dodge bakkie toegesluit terwyl hy dan op die sitplek gaan slaap get. Die heimwee 129 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

na al hierdie wonderlike tye en plekke kan nie in woorde beskryf word nie. Ook die heimwee en verlange na ŉ baie getroue swart speurder gee jou die gevoel dat jy nie behoorlik afskeid geneem het van hierdie getroue kollega toe bevorderings begin wink het nie. Ongelukkig is dit die verloop van ŉ polisieman se loopbaan. (Tjaka Neethling) ‘N

LEWENSREIS: HOOFSTUK 13

Brig Hannes Slabbert ‘n Groot skok wag op ons toe ons moet intrek. Die huisie is ontsettend klein en dit vat mooi pas om ons meubels in te pas. Die kombuisie is so klein ons yskas moet in die gang staan. Maar dis in elk geval beter as niks en is naby die werk ook. Om te sê ek het die werk geniet sal ‘n groot fout wees want ek het nie. Om elke dag net hope en hope eise na te sien was beslis nie polisiewerk nie – of altans nie n kaptein sn nie. En dan het die kolonel dit ook nog almal nagesien tot ek hom eendag gevra het of hy my bekwaamheid onderskat. Daar was ook ‘n brigadier Klopper maar hy was met Lugdiensveiligeid gemoeid en ons het hom maar min gesien. Ek dink hy was ‘n verbitterde mens want eintlik moes hy toe lankal ‘n generaal gewees het. Waarom hy nie bevorder is nie weet ek nie.Hy het my in elk geval baie goed behandel en ek het groot respek vir hom gehad. Ek loop vir Willie Mouton by wie ek jare gelede loseer het raak. Hy het nou al ‘n senior posisie en woon steedfs in dieselfde huis.Ons maak ook kennis met Antonie Ceronio en sy vrou Ousus. Hy is die bestuurder van die ontspanninsgklub by die lughawe.Hy is een van die aangenaamste mense met wie ooit kennis gemaak het. Die lede wat die klub besoek is erg oor hom en sy vrou geniet ook hoë aansien. Hulle oudste seun, Sarel is ‘n modelvliegtuigaanhanger en besit ‘n paar modelvliegtuie waarmee hy gereeld speel. Sy voorneme is om ‘n vlieënier by S.A. Lugdiens te word.Dit is is bewaarheid en hy het ‘n vlieënier by S.A. Lugdiens en later B.O.A.C. geword. Hy was net soos sy pa ‘n aangename mens wat met almal oor die weg gekom het. Hy is ongelukkig op redelik vroeë ouderdom oorlede. Een aand terwyl ons by hulle kuier en die kinders met hulle kinders speel, vra Antonie vir ma of sy hulle nie in die kombuis wil kom help nie. Soort van toesighouerpos.Omdat sy heeldag alleen by die huis moet bly aanvaar sy die pos en geniet dit om saam met ander mense te werk. Oor naweke is dit baie besig en van die vlieëniers kuier dan ‘n bietjie. Ons maak ook kennis met ‘n senior vlieënier, Mynhardt Slabbert wat net oorsee vlieg. Hy en sy vrou Toy is kuiermense en ons gaan braai vleis by hulle waar ons ons behoorlik geniet. Mynhardt is ‘n grapmaker van formaat en vertel ons van sy wedervarings oorsee. 130 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Een oggend kry ek ‘n oproep van sersant Lamprecht uit Port Elizabeth. Hy deel mee dat die speuroffisier, kaptein Jan le Grange oorlede is na ‘n hartaanval. Ek word yskoud en dadelik baie opgewonde. Is hierdie dalk ‘n geleentheid vir my om terug Port Elizabeth toe te gaan? Ek praat met ‘n vriend in Hoofkantooor wat meedeel dat kaptein Frans Kleingeld benoem is om die vakature te vul. Ek bel hom. Ons is darem goeie vriende en ek vertel hom dat ek so graag Port Elizabeth toe wil gaan. Ek moet darem byvoeg dat ek toe al aansoeke ingedien het sou daar ‘n pos ontstaan. Elke slag is ek verwittig dat ek op ‘n waglys is. Frans vertel dat hy ook nie baie ingenome is met die verplasing nie en bereid is om terug te staan. Ek dien dadelik n aansoek in waarin ek uitwys dat ek op ‘n waglys is om Port Elizabeth toe te gaan.Volgende more roep kolonel Coetzee my en deel mee dat ek verplaas is. Ek spring amper deur die dak van blydskap. Ek bel dadelik vir Lamprecht en bedank hom nog ‘n keer omdat hy my laat weet het. Hy is so gaaf om sommer te reël dat ‘n spoorwegmeubelwa ons meubels sal oplaai. Ek sny hiedie ongelukkige tydperkie in ons lewe af deur te vertel dat ma, Charles en Marina per trein na Port Elizabeth gereis het. Louwtjie, ek en Boela die hond het per motor gereis. Daar is ‘n lied en groot dankbaarheid in my hart. Na slegs vier maande in hierdie eentonige pos is ek uiteindelik daarvan verlos. Ons trek vir die 9de keer. Ek moet darem vertel dat ek sommer vir Louwtjie by sy skool in Benoni opgelaai het. Ons ry vol opwinding deur die nag. Dit lyk of selfs Boela weet dat ons na ‘n beter plek onderweg is. Ons hou ‘n paar keer stil om bene te rek en dan kry Boela ook kans om blaas te ledig en ‘n slag of twee om die kar te loop. Volgende more is ons in Despatch. My suster en haar man wat na Chris Keyser in ons huis gewoon het het dit mooi skoon gemaak. Boela het nou ‘ n groot erf waarin hy kan rondhardloop. Die middag ontmoet ek die ander deel van die gesin by Port Elizabeth se stasie. Daardie aand slaap ons by my ouers want ons meubels het nog nie arriveer nie. Dit kom die volgende dag aan en ons is weer terug in die huis wat ons 4 jaar gelede verlaat het.Ons bure van destyds is nog almal daar en almal is bly ons is by die huis.

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REMINISCES OF A RAILWAY POLICEMAN Keith Alfred Adolf Blake MISSING/FOUND I was reading about the missing elderly man that was lost and then found and reunited with his family and it brought back a memory that happened years ago. On a Saturday afternoon my colleague Werner and myself were on patrol in Table Bay Harbour when we heard on the radio a bulletin that an elderly German tourist had disappeared from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens while visiting there with his family. The family were frantic as can be expected and even hired a private helicopter to help in the search. I thought to myself we do not have to bother as where will this man land up in the harbour. No sooner this thought when a worker waved us down and he said that there opposite the Royal Cape Yacht Club was an old man who looked “baie deurmekaar” and “wat praat ‘n vreemde taal”. We went to the club and there was this man and yes believe it or not, Werner spoke German, and after their conversation he confirmed that this was the missing German tourist. We informed Radio Control and on receiving the family's address we took him to Woodstock. The reunion was in a foreign language but I could just interpret what is being said by their actions of joy. PRACTICAL PROTECTION A few days ago, I received a visit from friends who owns a yacht in Table Bay Harbour and I last saw them in 2007. The husband a German is a very passionate person and is a very strong believer in what is mine is mine. In the late 1980's their yacht was on dry land and they would sleep in this yacht it was like a second home. The one and only entrance onto their yacht was a metal ladder. The reason I met this couple was when his one revolver was stolen from inside the yacht. There after there was a few break-ins and this man was like a bursting volcano. One morning as I came to work, I heard this long loud hooter and racing towards me was the wife. At that stage I just hope the brakes of her bakkie was working. She shouted I must come quick. I jumped into the vehicle and held on for dear life as we raced or rather, she raced down Duncan Road towards Sturrock Dry Dock where the yacht was. At the yacht with my service pistol in hand I raced up the ladder and looked down the entrance hatch. There was this coloured male with blood on his face. Fearing the worst, I then heard the husband's voice that he had the situation under control and I wondered WHAT SITUATION? The coloured male came up the stairs and behind him the husband with a Magnum 44 in his hand pointed at the coloured male. Apparently, the husband had told his wide he was going to sleep in their yacht while she went to their flat. That night at about 23h00 this coloured male had broken in and into the waiting arms of the owner. No phones so he kept the suspect at gunpoint the whole night till his wife arrived the next morning. I asked him why there was blood on the man's head and he replied: “No I been giving him a lecture on not to steal other people's property”. A few months later I was again summoned to the yacht. Here the husband stated that if we saw a man limping badly then he must be arrested for breaking into his yacht. Confused I was under the impression he had shot a suspect. I asked him how many shots he fired and he answered none. I went up the stairs and as I came to the top the husband pointed down the yacht entrance. I looked and at the bottom of the stairs there was a plank filled with long nails. There was a lot of blood on 132 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

the plank and nails. Need I explain what happened or what the husband did? I never found the suspect but today he must be a recipient of SASSA disability benefits

Foto – HBH

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KRYGSGESKIEDENIS

COLONEL JOHN YOUNG FILMORE BLAKE AND THE IRISH BRIGADE 1899 – 1902 Pam Beck Col John Blake, formerly of the Irish Brigade, told a war correspondent in the Eastern Transvaal: “I do not believe that in the history of the world, one could find more acts of barbarity and brutality committed in any land than by the English in the 2 little Republics of the Transvaal and the Free State.” Having read that comment, I decided to do a little bit of research on the man. Besides finding an article on the American volunteer in South Africa 1899-1902 in a June issue of the Lantern Magazine, I also found a short resumé about him in The Hall Handbook of the Anglo Boer War and The War Reporter through the eyes of the Burghers from where I quoted his comment. Born in Missouri USA in 1856, he graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1887 and was commissioned and served in the 6th Cavalry during the Indian Wars in Arizona. When he resigned his commission he appears to have worked for the Michigan Railways before emigrating to the southern part of the African continent and into Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where he participated in the Matabele Campaign in 1896. After which he moved south and prior to the Jameson Raid he settled in Johannesburg. Shortly before the war John McBride formed the Irish Brigade. When the Anglo Boer War broke out, Colonel John Blake, a supporter of the Boer cause joined the Irish Brigade and, with the rank of Colonel, led the Brigade on the Natal front. Their first action came in the Battle of Nicholson's Nek on 30th October 1899 where he was wounded. During the siege of Ladysmith, the Brigade was stationed between Pepworth and Surprise Hill. The Brigade saw action at Biggarsberg, Dalmanutha (Bergendal) and Dullstroom. A Second Irish Brigade was formed under the command of Colonel Arthur Lynch who was a war correspondent of Le Journal of Paris. It is possible that John Blake's comment was recorded by Colonel Arthur Lynch. The Second Irish Brigade was a cosmopolitan one with recruits from all nationalities. One unit commanded by Captain O'Connor amalgamated with Colonel Blake's Irish Brigade and together with other reinforcements were posted at Brandfort under General De La Rey in an attempt to stem General Roberts’ advance. After the British occupation of Pretoria some of the troops returned to the United States but Colonel Blake stayed on to continue fighting for the Boer cause until the end of the war. Colonel John Young Filmore Blake served with distinction right to the end of hostilities when he returned to the USA. He wrote a book about his experiences with the Irish Brigade which was published in 1903. He died in New York in 1907 at the young age of fifty.

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Centre photo taken at the Siege of Ladysmith. Colonel Blake standing third from right/

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ANGLO BOER WAR: COL JOHN YOUNG FILMORE BLAKE Jennifer Bosch

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WAR CORRESPONDENT: HENRY RIDER HAGGARD Jennifer Bosch Sir Henry Rider Haggard - author, poet, newspaper correspondent, Registrar of the High Court in the Transvaal, agriculturist and 'The tall one who travels on the heights'. I was very fortunate to overnight at his 1881 home "Hilldrop" on the farm Rooipoint. His is a bittersweet story. He was born on 22 June 1856 at Bradenham, Norfolk. His academic career was undistinguished and, after failing the Army Entrance examination, he was sent to London to study for the Foreign Office examination. There he became unofficially engaged to Mary Elizabeth Jackson, known as Lilly, but the romance was put on hold when in 1875 Haggard’s parents arranged for him to join the staff of Sir Henry Bulwer, Lieutenant-Governor of Natal. In Pietermaritzburg, the Natal Capital, Haggard met Theophilus Shepstone, Secretary for Native Affairs, who became his friend and mentor. In 1876, while accompanying Bulwer and Shepstone on a tour of Natal, Haggard witnessed a Zulu ceremonial dance that provided the material for his first article written for publication. The Zulus named Haggard Lundanda u Ndandokalweni “The tall one who travels on the heights”. In December 1876, Haggard joined Shepstone’s mission to annex the Transvaal. During the trek to Pretoria, Haggard “heard many a story of savage Africa” from his traveling companions and also from Mhlopekazi who, as Umslopogaas, features in Allan Quatermain (1887), Nada the Lily (1892) and She and Allan (1921). Haggard’s Zulu servant, Masooku, with whom he had several adventures, features in Haggard’s autobiography The Days of My Life (1926) plus Diary of an African Journey (2000), and the novel The Witch’s Head (1884). Haggard helped run up the British flag in Pretoria on 24 May, 1877. Shortly afterwards he was appointed Master and Registrar of the High Court. In Pretoria, Haggards met Arthur Cochrane and together they built a small cottage, “The Palatial”. Here Haggard learned that Lilly Jackson had decided to marry someone else. “The news left me utterly reckless and unsettled”. He had an affair with a married woman, Johanna Catherine Ford, who became pregnant with his child – a girl named Ethel Rider – who subsequently died. Looking for a new start, Haggard and Cochrane resigned from their jobs and bought a small farm, Rooipoint, just outside Newcastle, where they intended to farm ostriches. The farmhouse was named Hilldrop and still stands today, used as a bed and breakfast filled with Haggard memorabilia. In August Haggard went on a visit to England and in 1880 Haggard married Louisa Margitson. The couple returned to South Africa just as the First Anglo-Boer War broke out. The British were defeated in three battles fought close to Newcastle: Laing’s Nek, Ingogo and Majuba. Hilldrop was rented by the authorities to negotiate the peace terms. “It was a strange fate which decreed that the Retrocession of the Transvaal, over which I had myself hoisted the British flag, should be practically accomplished beneath my roof”. Haggard’s first child, Arthur John Rider (‘Jock’) was born at Hilldrop on 22 May 1881. But the change in British fortunes convinced the Haggard family to leave South Africa. Back in England, while studying for the Bar, Haggard wrote Cetewayo and His White Neighbours (1882), a work of non-fiction. This was followed by two novels: Dawn (1884) and The Witch’s Head (1884). Haggard’s third novel, King Solomon’s Mines (1885), proved an instant bestseller. On the strength 138 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

of this success, Haggard quit law and embarked on a literary career. A series of popular novels followed, including She (1886), and Allan Quartermain (1887). The death of Jock in 1891, however, signalled the end of Haggard’s most creative period and, as he emerged from his grief, the beginning of Haggard’s life as a farmer and “man of affairs”. He ventured briefly into business and also stood for parliament but failed to win a seat. Haggard’s agricultural studies, A Farmer’s Year (1899) and the two-volume Rural England (1902), brought him recognition as an authority on land issues. He travelled to the United States to investigate schemes for the resettlement of the urban poor and also served on the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation. He was knighted in 1912 for his public services. Haggard revisited South Africa in 1914 while serving on the Dominions Royal Commission. During the trip Haggard returned to old haunts, toured Zululand, interviewed John Dube, first president of the African National Congress, and was reunited with Mazooku. During World War One, Haggard toured the dominions to investigate the post-war settlement of servicemen. He briefly visited Cape Town in 1916. Haggard died on 14 May 1925 in England. SOURCE: At the time of writing (2016), the source of the info was available on the Haggard on Hilldrop website.

• Photographs furnished by Jennifer Bosch

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Rider Haggard in later years

Hilldrop 140 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Interior of Haggards Hilldrop

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The LAST BOER WAR and War correspondents - Back left- WE Henley, Right- Rider Haggard. Front left - Basil Gott, right - Rudyard Kipling.

ANGLO BOER WAR: BRITISH INDIA Jennifer Bosch • Parbha Singh An Indian Rajput soldier, Parbha Singh, who was trapped in Ladysmith during the siege and, after the offer of his services to the army in Ladysmith had been rejected, he made it his duty to help the residents of Ladysmith. He achieved this by exposing himself to harm by standing, for many hours every day, on top of a large pile of stores, which had been covered by canvas. Whenever he observed smoke from the Boer guns, he would vigorously wave a flag and shout. A friend would vigorously ring the Town hall bell to alert the residence to the danger of an incoming shell and thereby contributed to the saving of many lives.

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Parbha Singh

Fly Kraal-On the 'edge' of Ladysmith with east end of Platrand in the background

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Visible from Fly Kraal, on Platrand. Below Ghandi’s Ambulance

Names for Gandhi's ambulance Standing: H. Kitchen, S. Shadrack, Lipanday, R. Pandya, J.Royappen, R. K. Khan, M. K. Kotharee, E. Peters, D. Vinden, V. Madanjit. 145 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Seated: P. K. Naidoo, V. Lawrence, M. H. Nazar, Revd. Dr. L. P. Booth, M. K. Gandhi, M. Royeppen. Sitting: L. Gabriel, W. Jonathan, Prof. Dhunde, S. M. Naidoo, D. David, A. A. Gandhi. Sources • University of Durban-Westville Documentation Centre, S. Lawrence Collection and Henning, The Indentured Indian, 187. • TURBANS AND TOP HATS - Indian Interpreters in the Colony of Natal, 1880-1910 by PRINISHA BADASSY

Lord Roberts, hero of Candahar and South Africa, Commander-in-Chief of British Armies Photographed at Pretoria – A HiltonTeper photo

DIE BOERPERD: DESTYDS EN TANS C Pretorius 146 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Watter perd het die eerste aan wal gekom in Suid-Afrika? Dr. Sandra Swart (Dept. Geskiedenis, Stellenbosch Universiteit) skryf in een van haar verhandelings: ‘One of the first European settlers in southern Africa was a horse. This creature was the sole survivor off a shipwreck on the Cape of Storms. Wearing the decaying remnants of a rope halter, he was occasionally glimpsed by the sailors that arrived with the first wave of white settlement but had become so wild he could not be caught. He was the only wild horse to exist in the Cape.’ Verw. H.C.V. Leibrandt - ‘Precis of the Cape Archives - Letters dispatched 1652 – 1662’.

In 1652, dieselfde jaar wat Van Riebeeck met sy drie houtskepe die suidpunt van Afrika bereik, stuur die VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) ook perde na die Kaap, maar die skip word deur ‘n storm teen die eiland van St. Helena aangedryf. Die lang vaart tussen Holland en die Kaap was nie juis ideaal vir die verskeping van perde nie gevolglik het die VOC besluit om perde van hul basis in Java na die Kaap te vervoer. ‘n Jaar later bereik vier Javaanse ponies (of, meer waarskynlik, die sg. Sumbawa-ponies) wel die Kaap vanaf die Ooste. Hierdie Javaanse ponies was ook bekend as ‘Suid-oos Asiatiese ponies’ (na alle waarskynlikheid ‘n versnit tussen Mongoolse en Arabier-perde) en was klein maar geharde diere van ongeveer veertien hande hoog. In 1659 word nog sestien perde vanaf die Ooste ingevoer om, soos dit gestel is, ‘alle roverÿe der Hottentotten tegen te staan’. Hulle was ingevoer om (ten minste gedeeltelik) ‘n mate van vrees by die Khoi-khoi en die San in te boesem, wat begin het om ‘n bedreiging vir die nedersetting te word as gevolg van stropery. Van Riebeeck se redenasie was dat ‘n wag van sowat twintig ruiters ‘n genoegsame afskrikmiddel behoort te wees. Die perde (saam met ‘n trop jaghonde) is ingevoer om tot ‘n sekere mate die setlaars se meerderwaardigheid ten toon te stel en Van Riebeeck het met tevredenheid kennis geneem van die verwondering en selfs vrees waarmee die plaaslike bevolking kennis geneem het van die spoed waarmee met die perde gejaag kon word.

Hedendaagse Javaanse ponies by Bromo in Java Timor. Hoewel hulle bykans oorwerk is, het die Javaanse ponies tog suksesvol aangeteel, sodat daar teen 1662 reeds ‘n trop van veertig was en teen 1667 was daar ruim vyftig ruiters op wagdiens. 147 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Een van die wagte en sy perd het verdrink nadat hy in ‘n beskonke toestand ‘n rivier probeer oorsteek het, en daar word gesê dat daar groter offisiële besorgdheid was oor daardie merrie as oor die soldaat! Van Riebeeck se aanvanklike kritiek was dat die perde ietwat klein was (amper soos Engelse perde) en nie groot van raam was soos die trekperde van Holland nie. Inderdaad het die Javaanse ponies egter gou baie geskik blyk te wees in die Kaapse landskap en toestande. Die Javaanse ponie was weliswaar een van die stamouers van die Kaapse perd en vandaar die latere Basuthopoon en die Boerperd. Perde het gou ‘n simbool van status aan die Kaap geword en teen die 1670’s was hulle ook in militêre gebruik. As gevolg daarvan was daar verskeie aanvalle op perde - twee is inderdaad in 1672 deur die Khoi-khoi gedood. Daar bestaan egter geen nota’s om te bepaal of die motief daarvoor ‘n behoefte aan vleis was, of omdat die perd gesien was as ‘n gehate simbool van die Europese besetters nie. Die eerste gewapende ‘milisie’ aan die Kaap was ingestel deur die VOC. Aanvanklik was daar geen garnisoen nie en die paar soldate moes aangevul word deur Vryburgers en ook lede van die plaaslike bevolking en hulle het die eerste plaaslike kommando’s gevorm. Die invoer van perde het ook sy probleme gehad - in 1673 het ‘n vrag perde verdrink (slegs twee kon gered word) en in 1690 het ‘n hele vrag perde tydens ‘n vaart op see nog voor hul aankoms in die Kaap gesterf. Teen 1681 het Vryburgers 106 perde besit en die Kompanjie 91. In 1683 word vier perde (blykbaar van ‘n Arabier / Berber-tipe) uit Persië via Mauritius ingevoer en in 1689 ‘n verdere elf, ook uit Persië. In 1792 is selfs Hackneys na die Kaap toe ingevoer. Die tydelike Britse besetting van die Kaap in 1795 (en permanent so in 1806) het ‘n beduidende verskil aan die samestelling van die plaaslike tipe perd teweeg gebring teling is meer stelselmatig toegepas, wat uiteindelik herkenbaar geword het as die ‘Kaapse perd’. Korteliks kan die invoere soos volg saamgevat word - aanvanklik die Javaanse ponie, soos hierbo beskryf; toe Persiese perde (1689), Suid-Amerikaanse perde (1778), Noord-Amerikaanse perde (1782), Engelse volbloed-perde (1792) en Spaans/Berber-tipe perde (1807), met ‘n duidelike genetiese invloed van die Arabier. Feno-tipies was die Kaapse perd baie verskillend van die Engelse volbloed - eersgenoemde was kleinerig en gehard en meer funksioneel as ‘n werker, waar laasgenoemde uit-en-uit vir wedrenne gebruik is. Die Kaapse perd was meer en meer as inheems beskou en ‘n George Thompson het later geskryf: ‘I had travelled this day about 56 miles, the last 30 at full gallop on a hardy African pony, saddled for me fresh from the pasture. This would have killed almost any English horse, but the country breed of Cape horses is far more hardy than ours.‘ Lady Anne Barnard (in 1798) het geskryf: ‘A little more size in the breed would render the Cape horse very good; they already have a cross of the Arabian fire and are hardy in the greatest degree.‘ Heinrich Lichtenstein het van Daniel van Reenen se perde, wat geboer het naby die Breede rivier gesê: ‘These horses were so fine that they were very much sought for at the Cape as riding horses.’ Verder ook: ‘The African horse, owing to their being accustomed from their youth to seek their nourishment upon dry mountains are easily satisfied and grow so hard in the hoofs’. Die Basotho-poon het baie in gemeen met die Boerperd en hulle deel van dieselfde voorsate. Meer Arabier-bloed (tesame met ‘n hoeveelheid volbloed-gene) het van die Boerperd ‘n ietwat groter perd gemaak en van ‘n beter kwaliteit. Die Basotho het sy perd bekom as gevolg van gebuite perde tydens konflikte tussen Zulu’s, Xhosas, Boere en koloniste en het nie dieselfde selektiewe teling toegepas waaruit die Boerperd uiteindelik ontwikkel het nie. As gevolg van die bergagtige Basotho-landskap, het die ponie egter ook ontwikkel in ‘n vasvoetige rydier met groot stamina. Soos met die stroping van Boerperde, is Basotho-ponies ook in groot getalle deur die Britse Leër aangekoop, wat ewe-eens tot nadeel van hul kwaliteit gelei het.

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Tipiese Basotho-ponies Die tweede fase van die ontwikkeling van die Boerperd en Basotho-poon strek veral oor die tydperk1836 tot 1899. Trekkers na die noorde en noord-ooste het hoofsaaklik met die tipiese Kaapse perd saamgetrek en dit is die dier wat mettertyd deur hulle veredel is om as die Boerperd bekend te raak. Feno-tipies en geno-tipies is hulle selektief geteel vir hul funksionele kwaliteite en uithouvermoë. Die Boere en setlaars het ook mettertyd afgesien van Europese style van perdry die draf, byvoorbeeld, was beskou as ‘onnatuurlik’ en vervang met ‘n trippel of ‘n stadige handgalop, wat gemakliker was wanneer ‘n sweep of geweer gedra word. Lichtenstein het die ‘kort galop’ van die Kaapse perd beskryf: ‘This pace appears so natural to the race of horses in question that it is not without some difficulty the riders can ever get them into a trot or walk.’ In 1861 het Lady Duff Gordon daarna verwys as ‘n ‘shuffling, easy canter.’ Hierdie was die perd wat gou sinoniem geraak het met die Suid-Afrikaanse jagter, trekboer en kryger. Dit was ook hierdie perd wat die Boere-kommando’s as’t ware vleuels gegee het en onontbeerlik was tydens (veral) die guerilla-fase. Waar die Britte aanvanklik neergesien het op die Boerperd, het sy vermoë om by tye grotendeels van die veld af te leef en sy uithouvermoë, gou hulle aandag getrek en het Boerperde by hulle ook gesog geraak vir hierdie mobiele soort oorlogvoering. Dit het ongelukkig ook tot gevolg gehad dat dit wat die Britse Leër nie kon konfiskeer en wegvoer van die plase af nie, uitgeroei is om nie in Boere-hande te beland nie. Daar was inderdaad ‘n jammerlike vermorsing van perde en muile tydens daardie oorlog (daar word gepraat van bykans 450,000 verliese) en was tot nadeel van die Boerperd se gene-poel, maar gelukkig is van die teeltroppe betyds deur Boere en/of hul plaaswerkers in bergagtige dele versteek, vanwaar na die oorlog weer begin kon word om dit wat verlore was te probeer vervang.

‘n Gedeelte van sowat 1,500 perde wat na bewering naby Winburg gedood is. 149 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Kmdt. Nieuwoudt en patrollie op hul tipiese Boerperde in Namakwaland. Die derde fase van die Boerperd se ontwikkeling behels die tydperk na die Anglo-Boereoorlog. Hoewel die Boer ‘n bedrewe ruiter was wat die beste uit sy strydros kon kry, was die oorlog in sy geheel nadelig en moes die Boerperd ‘n hoë tol daarvoor betaal. Na die oorlog is ‘n doelbewuste poging in Transvaal aangewend om die Boerperd te help bewaar en ‘n voorlopige stamboek is in 1905 opgestel. Steun daarvoor was egter nie na wense nie en tussen 1918 en 1921 het hierdie inisiatief verdwyn. ‘n Nasionale Ryperd-telersvereniging is egter gestig en in 1957 is die naam verander na die Boerperd-telersvereniging van Suid Afrika. Amper terselfdertyd is die ‘Eggo Boerperd-telersvereniging’ gestig. Dit is later gevolg deur die stigting van die Boerperd-vereniging van Suid Afrika by Memel in die Vrystaat (1973.) ‘n Grondwet is opgestel en ‘n rasse-standaard is ontwikkel. Perde wat feno-tipies en geno-tipies daaraan voldoen het is gekeur en ‘n register daarvan is saamgestel ‘n baie streng keuringsbeleid was daarvoor aanvaar. In 1977 is die naam verander na die Historiese Boerperdvereniging en in 1980 is dit amptelik erken deur die Departement van Landbou en as gevolg daarvan geaffilieer met die Suid-Afrikaanse Stoetregister en Vee-verbeteringsvereniging. In 1996 is die Historiese Boerperd ten volle geregistreer as ‘n inheemse perderas en met daardie status by die Registrateur van Vee-verbetering ingelyf. In 1998 is die naam verander na die SA Boerperd en is vandag as sulks bekend as ‘n eg Suid-Afrikaanse perderas. Uiteindelik het die Boerperd met reg tuisgekom. Hierdie geharde perd wat sy ruiter tydens die Oorlog vir amper drie jaar oor reuse afstande gedra het en stof in die oë van die ingevoerde perde geskop het, het tans ‘n nuwe funksie as ryperd, plaas-perd, gimkana- en polo-perd, militêre- en polisie-perd, jag-perd en is ook gesog vir uithou-wedrenne. Daar is verskillende bloedlyne van Boerperde bekend. Sommiges is histories van oorsprong ander is meer onlangs gestig. Die name daarvan behels nie verskillende ‘tipes’ Boerperde nie (almal moet inderdaad voldoen aan dieselfde amptelike nasionale rasse-standaard) maar die verskillende name is die handelsmerke van spesifieke telers. Sommiges is baie tradisioneel, o.a. die’ van die Cloete-familie:

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Die Cloete-perd: Jacob Cloete was een van die eerste Vryburgers aan die Kaap. Sy nageslag teel steeds wat bekend staan as die Cloete-perd. Daar word vertel dat ‘n Mnr. J.A.N. Cloete ‘n groot trop van hierdie perde besit het en dat al die bruikbare perde tydens die ABO deur die Britse militêre gekonfiskeer en die res doodgeskiet is op die plaas Doornhoek. Twee opgeskote merrievullens het egter oor ‘n kampmuur ontsnap en in die doringveld ingevlug. Een van hulle het later ‘n groot impak gehad op o.a. die ‘Eggo-perde’ en op die SA Boerperd van vandag. Die Middleton-perd: Mnr. G.M. Middleton het beskryf hoe sy vader perde begin teel het op die plaas Brindisi, tussen Ficksburg en Fouriesburg aan die Basoetoe-grens. Tydens die ABO het die Britte hierdie plaas verniel en later gebruik as ‘n perde-depot. Hierdie vlugvoetige en geharde perde was tipiese Boerperde. Pieter G. Cloete beskryf wat gebeur het in sy boek ‘The Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902 963 Days’: ’20-09-1901. Major-General B.B.D. Campbell’s column devastates Middleton’s prize farm Brindisi near Ficksburg. They destroy three threshing machines, seize 31 vehicles of all types, rustle 660 head of cattle and 8,200 other livestock and round up 22 men and 144 women and children from farms in the vicinity. Amongst the spoils seized by the British are 469 of the famous ‘Middleton horses’, one of the principal bloodlines of the highly rated ‘Boerperd’ breed. (More than a century later, the destruction of this remarkable breeding stock is still regarded as an incalculable loss to horse-breeding in South Africa.)’ Die A2-perd: Die Van Niekerks van Kaalpoort naby Utrecht in noord-Natal het die brandmerk A2 gebruik en het al ‘n gevestigde perdestoet gehad sedert die 1870’s. Albert van Niekerk se dogter herinner hoe die Britse troepe ‘n groot deel van daardie stoet gekonfiskeer het op die plaas ‘Dwarsbalk’ tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog, maar Albert kon ‘n paar red, wat hy in die berge gaan versteek het. Die A2-perde het ‘n beduidende rol gespeel tydens die’ oorlog. Die oorspronklike A2perde se gene is steeds teenwoordig in die hedendaagse SA Boerperd. Die Hancke-perd: Die Hancke-familie se perde-geskiedenis strek terug tot net na die Groot Trek. Die meerderheid van die’ perde was grys en vanweë hul stamina gesog onder grootwild-jagters. Gedurende die ABO was Hendrik Hancke een van Genl. Louis Botha se rapportryers. Sy vader, Carel Hancke, was ‘n bekende perdeboer wat sowat 700 merries aangehou het en die Boere van rydiere voorsien het. Baie was gekonfiskeer deur die Britte en baie is ook gedood. Na die oorlog is ‘n paar van die perde met die H-brandmerk weer in die hande gekry en het die familie met die teling van hierdie merkwaardige Boerperde voortgegaan, tot vandag toe. Die Steenkamp-perd: Volgens oorlewering strek hierdie bloedlyn terug tot 1847. Die twee Steenkamp-broers, Willem en Karel, was die gesamentlike eienaars van hierdie stoet en ‘n nasaat, Theuns, het daarin geslaag om nog perde uit die Kaap-kolonie aan te skaf. Ook hierdie perde het diens gedoen tydens die ABO en hulle was gesog vanweë hul vasvoetigheid en puik karakter. Later, na die Rebellie en tydens die inval van Duits-Wes Afrika in 1915, het een van hierdie Steenkamp-perde Genl. Coen Brits gedra tot by Namutoni in Etosha. Die Odendaal-perd: Met die uitbreek van die Oorlog in 1899, was die Odendaal-familie van die plaas Sterkfontein in die distrik Harrismith wyd bekend vir hul perde. Van sy teeldiere het slegs ses merries en ‘n hings genaamd ‘Rusland’ die oorlog oorleef, te danke daaraan dat hulle in die berge by Witsieshoek versteek is. Die stoet het in later jare amper uitgesterf en was dit nie vir ‘n Mnr. Mof Grimbeek wat ‘n hings genaamd ‘Nantes’ en twee vos-merries naby Carletonville ontdek het nie, sou die Odendaal-perde in vergetelheid geraak het. Uit hulle is goeie vyfgang- en tuig-klas perde geteel en is die stoet heropgebou. ‘n Duitse skrywer, Ursula Bruns het in haar 1970-boek ‘Die Pferde der Erde Sud Africa’ die Odendaal-perd se lof besing vir hul temperament, harde hoewe en gemaklike gange. Heelwat van hierdie perde is vos en palomino van kleur.

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Hedendaagse Boerperde. Meer onlangse Boerperd-stoeterye is o.a. die Streicher-perd en die Nooitgedachter wat ontwikkel is by die Nooigedacht proefplaas naby Ermelo. Verder is daar die Wilanmar, Morgenzon, Bella Vista en nog ‘n paar ander stoeterye wat ook intussen ontwikkel is. Hulle het van die reeds bekende gene-poele gebruik gemaak en hou steeds by die SA Boerperd se keurings-reëls en rasse-standaard. Danksy hierdie organisasies, families en telers sal die egte Suid-Afrikaanse Boerperd (genadiglik) nooit weer in onbruik hoef te raak nie. Bronne ‘SA Boerperd: The ideal Sporting and Pleasure Horse’ (Chris Nel) ‘The World the Horses Made’: A South African Case Study of writing Animals into Social History’ (Dr. Sandra Swart, US.)

45 QUOTES FROM THE ANNUAL BRITISH MILITARY STAFF APPRAISALS Lt-Col JP Sherman (via) 1. His men would follow him anywhere but only out of curiosity. 2. I would not breed from this Officer. 3. This man is depriving a village somewhere of its idiot. 4. This Officer can be likened to a small puppy - he runs around excitedly, leaving little messes for other people to clean up. 5. This Officer is really not so much of a has-been, more of a definitely won't-be. 6. When she opens her mouth it seems only to change whichever foot was previously in there. 7. Couldn't organise 50% leave in a 2-man submarine. 8. He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entire satisfaction. 9. He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle. 10. Technically sound but socially impossible. 11. The occasional flashes of adequacy are marred by an attitude of apathy and indifference. 12 When he joined my ship this Officer was something of a granny; since then, he has aged considerably. 13. This Medical Officer has used my ship to carry his genitals from port to port, and my officers to carry him from bar to bar. 14. This Officer reminds me very much of a gyroscope, always spinning around at a frantic pace but not really going anywhere. 15. Since my last report he has reached rock bottom and has started to dig. 152 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

16. She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them. 17. He has the wisdom of youth and the energy of old age. 18. This Officer should go far and the sooner he starts, the better. 19. In my opinion this pilot should not be authorised to fly below 250 feet. 20. The only ship I would recommend for this man is citizenship. 21. Couldn't organise a woodpecker's picnic in Sherwood Forest. 22. Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap. 23. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer. 24. Gates are down, the lights are flashing but the train isn't coming. 25. Has two brains; one is lost and the other is out looking for it. 26. If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week. 27. Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching. 28. If you stand close enough to him you can hear the ocean. 29. It's hard to believe that he beat 1000 000 other sperm. 30. A room temperature IQ. 31. Got a full 6-pack but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together. 32. A gross ignoramus,143 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus. 33. He has a photographic memory but has the lens cover glued on. 34. He has been working with glue too long. 35. When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell. 36. This man hasn't got enough grey matter to sole the flip-flop of a one-legged budgie. 37. If two people are talking and one looks bored, he's the other one. 38. One-celled organisms would out score him in an IQ test. 39. He donated his body to science before he was done using it. 40. Fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down. 41. He's so dense light bends around him. 42. If brains were taxed, he'd get a rebate. 43. Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled. 44. Takes him 1½ hours to watch 60 minutes. 45. Wheel is turning but the hamster is long dead.

THE BOERS Lt-Col JP Sherman

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“What men they were, these Boers! I thought of them as I had seen them in the morning riding forward through the rain—thousands of independent riflemen, thinking for themselves, possessed of beautiful weapons, led with skill, living as they rode without commissariat or transport or ammunition column, moving like the wind, and supported by iron constitutions and a stern, hard Old Testament God…The Boers were singing their evening psalm, and the menacing notes— more full of indignant war than love and mercy—struck a chill into my heart, so that I thought after all that the war was unjust, that the Boers were better men than we, that Heaven was against us, that Ladysmith, Mafeking, and Kimberley would fall, that the Estcourt garrison would perish, that foreign Powers would intervene, that we should lose South Africa, and that would be the beginning of the end... “ -Winston Churchill 1899 London to Ladysmith Via Pretoria: PDF File (https://archive.org/details/londontoladysmi01unkngoog )

ANGLO BOERE-OORLOG: BRITSE INDIËRS Linda Fouche

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DURBAN: WARTIME MAP Carl Vieira A lovely tourist map & information about wartime Durban – Only cover shown.

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SADF: NATIONAL SERVICE Richard van Wyk Greyville (Durban) - the greatest place to grow up! You are now in the army! This time back in the day some of us started to think about that January intake for national service. We never knew how long that walk was from Lords-Ground to the Durban station, to board the troop train for our respective units. We were so young! Remember Marching down Soldier's Way to the Durban railway station, the girls we left behind mostly crying, this is the first day of National service an experience never to be forgotten!!

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DOWN A VERY SPECIAL MEMORY LANE Col Willem Ratte (via Frans Bedford-Visser)

Three days ago, it was her birthday. A three-days-after-Christmas-baby, she was. As engraved on her tombstone, there where her mortal remains lie in our cherished African soil. Born 28 December 1955, died 17 May 2016. Just over three score, without the ten. The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Thank You, our Father in heaven, for the time You lent her to us. With another new year coming up without her, I once again realise how much she meant to us and how we miss her. When I landed in Johannesburg in the beginning of November and one of my Rhodesian friends lent me a car, I drove to the cemetery to look at what we have left down here on earth: The grave with its headstone. The graveyard has filled up and there are now several more rows in front of her. But it looks fine and neat and undisturbed, for which I am grateful. Though as soon as I had left the car and started walking amongst the graves, there it was: “Hallo, Sir…..” and they were coming towards me from different directions. So that put paid to our plans to ask someone to regularly put flowers down, all we’d do is invite yet another mugging, sooner or later. C’est the wonderful New South Africa… Rather retreat into our minds and cherish our memories of you, Zaanzie. Like what is for most couples probably the best time of their lives, the start of one’s family. Ours was at Omauni, there up north close to the border with Angola. Where they had built a house for us outside the base, with our own walls around it. Gone now, like so much else, but what a pleasant surprise when Kai Archer found and put up a picture of a photo taken in the eighties by someone from the air. I soak up the blurred image: The roof of the simple but more than adequate bungalow-type house where you looked after our little family, the cabins where we stayed first, the trees we planted, the footpath leading into the base itself, the bunker through which we passed, the sick-bay just inside with the wonderful doctors and medics who treated our kids, the big ops/HQ bunker in the middle with its observation tower from where everything was run, and all the different buildings amongst 159 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

all the shady trees throughout. With the chopper pad and the airstrip, the other side of the southern wall. Memories… But I’ll let Zaanzie speak herself in a few extracts from her writing: “… The time came to prepare for another operation into Angola in July 1982, and as no one actually knew how long the team(s) would be away, … I had to return to Windhoek again. There was only a few months left until I would give birth anyway so I knew I would be staying there until after the baby was born. This time, they flew me and Blackie to Grootfontein, where we spent the night at the officer's quarters and the next morning, we were flown to Windhoek… Christina – weighing just over four kilograms – was born on the ninth of October… I spent ten days in hospital after that. My parent stayed for another month and after the four short weeks it was time for them to go back to Zimbabwe. With a heavy heart, I put my parents on the plane and the next day, Christina and I took a flight to Cape Town. I was collected at the airport by Willem's brother and then taken down to Onrusrivier to show Willem's parents their first grandchild. I spent two weeks in the Cape and then flew back to Windhoek where Willem waited for me at the airport. Our journey back to Rundu was very tiresome; Willem wanted all his friends to see his daughter and so by the time we got to Rundu my breast milk was in low supply. There, we boarded a 'Gunship' helicopter which took us back home to Omauni, Christina was only two months old and already had the opportunity to fly in a Gunship. When we got to Omauni, my breast milk was almost dried up and being a new mother, I didn't realise I had to eat and drink to keep the flow of milk going. A surprise awaited me at Omauni, my tent home was transferred from the far side of the runway to right next to the base. The construction of a house was under way and due to the fact that the house was not in a liveable condition they had brought the caravan over for the time being. The bathroom tent finally had a roof and a 'donkey' (a forty-four-gallon drum manufactured into a geyser for hot water), I could finally have a warm and private shower. My living quarters was now a wooden shack with an army tent roof, my new home. I no longer had the Bushman sleeping a couple of yards away, I now had a guard patrolling at night. It seemed like I was promoted! I felt safer, even though I was still living outside the base which was protecting the guys. At least they had an early warning system, if I screamed loud enough, they would know they were under attack! In the north of South West Africa, the temperature used to sky-rocket during Summer, sometimes reaching a temperature of over forty degrees Celsius. Christina spent most of her days drinking and sleeping or lying awake exercising as she looked at the mobile, I had hung from the mosquito net above her bed. She would only wear a nappy during the day, and at night I would put her into a little vest and T-Shirt. Once she was a little older, I started taking her around in her pram. I made trips to the kraal and water trough to see the Bushmen, they used to converse around the pram to admire Christina's pale skin and honey blonde hair. They used to touch their own eyes, 'clickclack' and then point to the sky, I think they would say her eyes are the colour of the sky. They just loved touching her skin and hair….. As we lived so far away from the nearest town, the army supplied us with rations, in the likes of meat, vegetables, milk and flour, from the base kitchen. I used to need to make a list of the items I needed and take it to the base kitchen myself, but seeing as the Chefs were all Portuguese, I took Peter Williams with me the first time round so he could tell the chefs what groceries I needed. The next time I got there, the chef took me to the storeroom and was able to help myself since then, however, I still needed to ask for meat. So, I took it upon myself to learn some of their language and bought myself a little Portuguese dictionary, I used to write down everything I needed in English and would then translate every word, saying them out loud in order to cement them into my knowledge. When Peter Williams wasn't away, I would ask him to help me with the translation and pronunciation of the words. At one stage I felt very proud of myself as I could sort of communicate and even count to six, although I didn't speak to the chef that much, this certainly helped when we did speak. The chef then started sending someone from the kitchen once a week 160 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

with a tray full of delicious Pau's (Portuguese bread buns). I was so spoilt by the chef, I didn't even have to bake my own bread any more….. As my grandfather was an avid hunter in early Rhodesia, he taught my mother a thing or two about food storage, one of them being on how to store eggs without needing a fridge as in those days they did not have any. I would rub all the eggs in margarine as soon as I collected them and then keep them in a cake tin filled with maize meal, just as I saw my mother do, they even kept a little longer than the eggs that were stored in the fridge. As for milk, we only received cartons of long-life milk and as for meat; no one ever complained about that as what we got was absolutely superb…. There were times where I had the opportunity to leave Christina with her father while I went to collect our weekly food rations. I distinctly remember one such occasion: as I stepped back into the shack, I found Christina sitting quite amused in her pram – this wasn't what stood out to me though – what caught my attention was what she was wearing. It turned out that she had soaked herself, as we didn't have any 'Pampers' at that time and Willem had no clue how to put a nappy on, he compensated by pinning on one of his own underpants and thinking it would do the same work. Luckily there wasn't a second incident before I got back that would have me cleaning the pram…. My bathroom tent became the perfect living quarters for snakes – including a nice big Puff Adder – and on several occasions I had to call someone to get rid of them for me. This also made me realise who was having the chickens, the ones I received as a present from the Ohikik ladies, for dinner. I never got eggs from them but I did enjoy visiting and looking after them in their little chicken run a few metres from my caravan…. As the troops were building the house I was to live in, they also made some space for me to have two watch dogs. These two would end up falling in love with Willem and would following him wherever he went and quite often they would follow him back to base, where they were then chased home again so they could do their duty. The problem with the geese – or my 'watch dogs' – they did this with more people than just Willem, they would either chase the person coming or they would fall in love with them and follow them back to base too. Apart from this, geese were very efficient as watch dogs, as when someone came within their proximity or they heard a faint noise they would start making a ruckus…. After Christina's birth, I decided I would teach the Bushmen women how to knit and sew, so I brought a lot of fabric, wool and tools to work with from Windhoek with me. I spoke to Willem about my ideas and he in turn communicated them through to Lt. Bezuidenhout. They allowed me to use the small building that they used to teach the Bushmen how to read and write. A 'tolk' (interpreter) assisted me in bringing the women and girls together and they were so excited to see all the supplies I brought. I spent the morning showing them the basics and thought I was finally able to return some kindness with actions as they have shown me over so many months. When the time came for Christina to have her meal, I bid them farewell for the day and told them I would see them the next morning. The next day they came with finished garments and half knitted hats; I was so amazed! They did not use a pattern for any of the dresses and all of them were made in a different style, each dress was cut out and sewn together in a very unusual way to what I was used to. The hats were all so colourful and I noticed that some of them were being crocheted. I noticed that only a few were using the crochet hooks I had brought, the rest were using grass. When I asked them to show me how they did it, they started my lesson by taking me to where they got the grass from and how they would then make the needles. The strong thin grass they used had to be broken off just right at the joint of the blade, they would then smooth the points by rubbing the joints on a stone. The crochet hook was also made from the same type of grass and this time shaped into a hook. Eventually, each Bushmen, young and old, had a knitted or crochet hat. They were not interested in making jerseys, as long as their heads were warm, they were fine. 161 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

They educated me, and definitely proved the saying of 'never judge a book by its cover'. I do still wonder though, how did they learn to make these and what inspired them to start? They were such creative people, despite living in what we believe to be a primitive nomad lifestyle, in little grass huts. I came to love these people and was also totally fascinated by them. What had me amazed was that one day the dresses and skirts would fit perfectly and the next day they would be too big. When I asked them about it, they explained – with a lot of sign language – that they didn't eat the previous night as they couldn't find anything edible and the men didn't bring anything home. The shrinkage in their bodies was incredible, they completely lived off the land. Later I found out that they used to get what was left over from the base kitchen. Despite their hardships, they were always such a merry bunch and their laughter would ring out, making everyone around them feel just as much joy as they did…. Christmas Eve 1982, dinner was nothing fancy; thin cut steak strips that were marinated in oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chutney and some spices, fried with onions and served over macaroni. Willem, I and Dominee Manie Taute where just about to start eating when suddenly there was an extremely loud explosion. The whole earth trembled and shook and the two men dashed to the base to find out what happened. I covered their plates with bowls and waited in anticipation for my own curiosity to also be cured. Dinner was obviously spoilt. In less than five minutes I heard the Reaction Vehicles move toward the direction of the blast where they found a bakkie, belonging to a headman in the area, blown to pieces, fourteen bodies surrounding the vehicle. All were dead, except for a fourteen-year-old boy, what a miracle for him to have survived the blast. That night I was reminded how far sound travels, we felt and heard an explosion that was nearing Eenhana, sixty kilometres away from our location…. Soon after Christmas, I was finally able to move into the house the Engineers had built for me, a solid building with a stove and a normal bathroom! I still had to get hot water through the use of the 'donkey', but the Sgt Major asked the Bushmen to light a fire under the donkey for me each night, leaving me with hot water for the next day too, if it didn't rain off course. My furniture was a mixture of new and old items, all sent from Rundu. One of the best things I received with this move was the new washing machine! At last, I could wash the 'black is beautiful browns' in the washing machine. Well, I still had to soak them for about two days first then rub them with sunlight soap, but at least I could then put them in the machine for two long washes instead of having to do that part by hand. All in all, the process was still a bit shorter than without the machine. Shortly after I was all settled in I decided to host a dinner for the Recce team, my version of chicken a la king and pudding. I had set up the tables on the veranda as it was the only space where they were all able to fit in. They used the opportunity to dress up and Phil Cairns, our New Zealander, even came in a full suit and tie. He definitely won the best dressed award. Before long one only heard laughter coming out in between mouthfuls, as one joke was told after the other. It was such a special night….” Ja, Zaanzie, it was a special night. And a special time. And you were a special girl. Thank you for your writings, I’m sure they will bring fond memories to quite a few of those whose lives you touched. At the end of 2021, I wish you all a wonderful, happy new year.

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SOUTH AFRICANS’ COMMONWEALTH WAR CASUALTIES BURIED ACROSS THE WORLD – PART FOURTY SEVEN Captain (SAN) Charles Ross (SA Navy Retired) South Africans took part in almost every theatre of war during both the First and Second World Wars. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Casualty Data Base 7 290 (includes 607 unknown) First World War casualties and 9 986 (includes 84 unknown) Second World War casualties are buried in 1 207 cemeteries while 2 959 First World War and 2 005 Second World War casualties are commemorated on 48 memorials. This does not include the 1 750 members of the South African Native Labour Corps and the 306 from the South African Book of Remembrance, whose names are in the process of being added to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Casualty Data Base. With South Africans having served far and wide, it is not surprising that you would find single or small group graves in cemeteries across the world. Here are some of those cemeteries where one or a tiny group of South Africans are buried.

• Tournai Communal Cemetery Allied Extension - Belgium Tournai was captured by the German II Corps on 23 August 1914, in spite of resistance from a French Territorial Brigade, and the town remained in German hands until it was entered by the 47th (London) and 74th (Yeomanry) Divisions on 8 November 1918. The 51st (Highland) Casualty Clearing Station arrived on 14 November and remained until 20 July 1919. During the occupation, the German sick and wounded were nursed in the "Asile", whilst the Commonwealth and Allied were cared for in the Hopital Notre-Dame. The (Southern) Communal Cemetery, in the Faubourg-St.Martin, was used and extended by the Germans, although the graves were later regrouped by nationality and some were brought in from other cemeteries in a wide area around Tournai. The Allied extension now contains 689 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 34 of them unidentified. There are also 117 Russian burials, all of men who died as prisoners of war, and two Belgian war graves. Almost all of the 52 Second World War burials in the extension date from May 1940 and the withdrawal of the British Expeditionary Force ahead of the German advance. There are five World War One South African casualties buried in the cemetery.

• Milan War Cemetery - Italy 163 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. The Allied advance was stalled for two successive winters: in 1943 on the German defensive position known as the Gustav Line, stretching from the river Gargliano in the west to the Sangro in the east, and in 1944 on the Gothic Line in the northern Appenine mountains. At the beginning of April 1945, the Allies launched their final offensive against the German positions spread out in a line across Italy, south of Bologna. German resistance was by now beginning to disintegrate and the Allies were able to fan out rapidly across the Po valley. Milan, already freed by Italian Partisans, was entered by the US 4th Corps on 2 May 1945, the day of the German surrender in Italy. As Milan fell to the Allies largely without a fight, the Commonwealth forces suffered few casualties. Most of the graves in Milan War Cemetery were those of prisoners-of-war or airmen and were brought in from the surrounding towns and villages - places such as Bergamo, Boves, Carpi, Cicagna, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Turin and Val d'Isere - after the war. Milan War Cemetery contains 417 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 27 of them unidentified. There are also six war graves of other nationalities. • There are 39 World War Two South African casualties buried in the cemetery. This includes the crews of B-24 Liberator Heavy Bombers, KG874, KG875, KG999, KH154 all 31 Squadron South African Air Force and KH239, 34 Squadron South African Air Force who were killed on the night of 12/13 October 19144 during a supply drop mission. White House Cemetery, St Jean-Les-Ypres, Belgium White House Cemetery was begun in March 1915 and used until April 1918 by units holding this part of the line. It then comprised most of the present Plots I and II; but after the Armistice these Plots were completed, and III and IV added, when graves were brought in from the battlefields around Ypres (now Ieper) and from a number of small burial grounds. There are now 1,163 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 322 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to 16 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials record the names of 28 casualties who were buried in other cemeteries, but whose graves could not be found on concentration. The cemetery also contains eight Second World War burials, all dating from May 1940. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. There are five (two known and three unknown) South African casualties from World War One buried in the cemetery. 164 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

• Tel El Kebir War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt During the First World War, Tel el Kebir was a training centre for Australian reinforcements and the site of a very large prisoner of war camp. The War Memorial Cemetery was used from June 1915 to July 1920 and was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from other sites, including 15 from the International Christian Cemetery at Zagazig, where there was a Supply Depot. During the Second World War, Tel el Kebir was a hospital centre and a great ordnance depot was also established there, with many workshops for the repair of armoured cars and other weapons of war. The cemetery contains 65 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and 526 from the Second World War. There are also 84 war graves of other nationalities in the cemetery. There are 42 South African casualties from World War Two buried in the cemetery.

• Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery was started by French troops in 1914 and was taken over by Commonwealth forces in April 1915. It was used by fighting units and field ambulances until June 1917, when the land adjoining the cemetery was claimed for a military railway preventing further extension. The cemetery is remarkable for the care with which men of the same unit were buried side by side if they died at about the same time. There is also a very high proportion of graves of Territorial units, in particular Lancashire Territorials, who have nearly 250 graves in plots IV, V and VI. During the early months of 1917, whenever it was possible, the 55th Division brought their dead from the front for burial here. The cemetery now contains 1,175 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. The French graves were removed after the war, but three German war graves remain. There are also four Second World War burials dating from the Allied retreat to Dunkirk in May 1940. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. The wrought iron gates were presented by the family of the late Lord Redesdale, whose son, Major Mitford, is buried in the Cemetery. Two South African casualties from World War One is buried in the cemetery.

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POLICE INTERNATIONAL

SERGEANT YAUWIKA

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WW2 COLOURISED PHOTOS Lungga, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, October, 1943. Sergeant Yauwika, a member of the native constabulary, wearing the Loyal Services Medal that the Deputy Supervising Intelligence Officer (DSIO), Naval Intelligence Division, ran, has just awarded him at the DSIO’s headquarters camp. The chevrons denoting Sgt. Yauwika's rank are attached to his right arm. A chief from the Sepik River District of New Guinea, Sgt. Yauwika gave valuable assistance to coast watchers operating in the Solomon Islands. He was later wounded by a grenade and lost the sight of one eye. Papuans from an early stage offered their services to the Allies, especially the Australians who they were familiar with. Some 45,000 indigenous Papuan people volunteered to work with the Australian Army, mostly as stretcher bearers and other labours. The Australians affectionally called them 'Fuzzy Wuzzies' because of their characteristic frizzy hair. The Papuans also helped moving tons of supplies, provided intelligence on Japanese positions and movements, and sometimes carried messages. A small number even became members of Australian military groups and fought in uniform. Colourised PIECE of JAKE Collection: AWM Accession Number P01672.004 Photo: F. McConaghy

LIVING IN THAILAND Capt Barry Taylor Good day Brigadier I have been travelling the world my whole life as I am too restless to sit still in one small town or city. I have travelled Europe, America and Africa and in 2001 I decided I would like to get to know the East so my then wife and I decided to visit Thailand for a start and as I have been doing of all countries, I read up in Lonely Planet re Thailand its culture and people. We spent a full three weeks travelling to all the Major large cities i.e. Bangkok, Chiang Mai. Pattaya and Phuket and my wife decided to start an import business from Thailand. So, in October 2001 we returned and bought a large stock of clothing and paraphernalia which was freighted to SA and from then we made regular trips to Thailand. In 2004 I brought my grandchild to Thailand and we were here exactly 3 months before the Tsunami in Phuket. Thereafter in the next couple of years we visited Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand regularly bringing along my grandson and her son Thailand was cheap as you used to obtain 6.5 Baht to the Rand and with basically no inflation no increase in prices, the same with Vietnam en Malaysia. In 2011 and 2012 I visited China and found the country very interesting but there were just too many people for me. It was like after a rugby game at Loftus and everybody streaming out of the stadium but his was normal in the streets in the big cities and I did not like it. Then in 2013 due to psychological problems of my wife we split up and I decided I was not going to remain in SA due to the Government plans for SA and my own restlessness and as I was only 70 decided to start a new career in the East. I decided to teach in Thailand and started looking for a post. 167 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

I met an English person Brian Adkins who was teaching at a school in a rural area. He wanted to leave and return to Bangkok and we started corresponding and he then also informed me had had a house for sale which he had built the previous year. It was a large house with three bedrooms, a large teaching room, four bathrooms and two kitchens one European (Farang) kitchen and one Thai kitchen. He wanted R150 000 for the house and the square meters were 280 Meters. I flew out and came to look at the house and immediately paid him the money and he gave me a receipt for the house and off he went to Bangkok to drink himself to death with his new Girlfriend of 17 years of age. He was an old 68 due to imbibing his whole life. Now I had a house but no title deed, now what I find out you need to draw up a contract with the owner of the property to rent the land from the person as I knew no foreigner may own land in Thailand. So, I drew up a contract and had it registered at the Land Office for about Ten Rand in total costs. Now the house is mine for the next 30 years thereafter I may renew the contract for another two 30-year periods by which time I will be 160 and thereafter I may leave it in my will to my children if the land owner is willing to give them a contract otherwise, he may keep it. This current contract is renewable in 2044 on my 101st birthday and I invite all of you who would like to come to the party. Here are no municipal Taxes and I only pay for the electricity I use and water consumption at R2.50 per kilolitre irrespective of use. Electricity is R2.10 a Unit but since Covid it has come down with 33% in my area to assist the population. I have six Rai land which I can farm on and that is one Hectare and land is expensive here. A Rai is 1600 Square meters, costs about R750K. I decided about three years ago to farm with Avo’s and subsequently with Durian and have about 23 Avo trees and 12 durian trees I have an unlimited borehole on the farm which gives me 7200 litres an hour with a submersible pump. Water is also very shallow here the borehole is only 25 meters deep Durian is considered the King of Fruit, smells like a dirty sock and tastes like a dirty sock and dog you know what mixed, but is much sought after and goes at about R100 a kilo but the export market to China is unlimited and Durian fetches up to Forty-Eight thousand USD per Durian on the auctions held in Nonthaburi a province near me. Thailand has 76 Provinces and 75500 villages and 6500 municipalities or as they call it a Tessaban. It is about 52% the size of SA and about 70 million people These are specially grown by Thais for the Chinese market and I have planted some of the same cultivars which I found some grafted trees. Most Hotels, airlines, trains and guest houses ban Durian and you may not take it in or on a plane. (You can google it on You Tube). Now living in Thailand legally. Once you are 50 you may obtain a retirement Visa here which is renewed annually with very little effort and you can live here until you die or decide to move to Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia etc as many do. Rental of houses and condos are from R2500 per month to what you would like to pay, condos you may buy and own here but in the big cities they are expensive from R700K to up to Rand fifty million. Now this is all the Moonshine and Roses in Thailand and now we come to something that will surprise most of you and that is the police in Thailand. They are by far one of the most corrupt police forces in the world and add to that incompetent and inept. The Keystone Cops are geniuses compared to them. They have a large police force of about 230,000 police and a court system that beats any in the world so corrupt and inefficient. Every second cop seems to be a General or Colonel and all drive flashy cars from the Constable to the General. If you read the corruption index you will see Thailand is 101 on the index and SA only about 64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS3GH_BFvFM&t=29s This video is of a Lt-Colonel forcing a drug dealer to give him 2-million-baht (R One Million) and unfortunately his one Constable videoed this and it went viral and now they are in trouble He has 34 luxury cars, Lamborghini etc a hundred million Rand house on a salary of R20K a month and his commanding officer did not notice this and just thought he lived frugally. 168 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

There are many articles to google on this. Another General borrowed R150 Million from an escort house owner and repaid him with his police salary of R50K a month inside three years and the anti-corruption police audited this and found it correct. There are very few businesses in Thailand who do not pay protection money to the police as this is the only way they can survive. The police have no concept of the law and I have seen it time and again. In one instance a truck with two drug runners in the middle of Pattaya was shot at even though it was peak time. If bystanders are injured it is covered up as a Police Operation. Promotion in the police is mostly by buying it from your senior. One General who was arrested had three billion Baht (about one point five billion Rand) in cash in his safes at home. He was sent to prison not because of the cash but because he was against the 2014 coup and thus a problem in their management style. To be promoted to a Colonel you paid about 250 thousand Rand. I have noticed when you confront the police as some people do, they always back off irrespective the complaint and you see very few and far that expats are hindered by the police. In eight years, I have passed at least one roadblock a week and never have I been stopped or asked for my driver’s licence, they just wave me through as I approach the roadblock. I have never even been asked for my passport or any ID but every single Thai or Cambodian is checked, my visa has never been checked as a matter of fact I never even carry my passport with me, just my Thai driver’s license. One inconvenient law they have here is the Lese Majeste law like we had in SA when the President was just a figurehead like the late President Swart etc. - here this covers any crime. If you insult the prime minister you are charged for this as the prime minister was appointed by the King, thus you are insulting the King's decision, crazy ne!!! In one instance a drunk British citizen said something insulting in a bar about the King but he got off easy was only sent to prison for 15 years and a lady recently posted some nasty comment of the King on FB and received 42 years. The Thais area very old culture more than seven thousand years but the actual Thailand and area is about 2500 years old. They are still mostly serfs and labourers and 80% of the population is extremely primitive. 98% are Buddhist and there are Christians and Muslims. To be honest the Muslims are hated in Thailand and the war in the South of Thailand against the Muslim insurgents has been going on for 13 years and many thousands of people have died more than the Israelis have killed Muslims in the Gaza. They use IED’s, roadside bombs, grenades into classrooms drive by shooting police on point duty, petrol bombs into classrooms and shops and as it is jungle you hardly ever see them as they fade away into Malaysia right across the border. There are many Thais in the rural areas who have never seen a Whiteman and some children even in my village used to run away when they saw me. They are quite willing to work in the village their whole life and not even visit any big city. Poverty is rife in Thailand yet very few people go hungry as all share with all, I recently was walking on the farm and there were a few labourers cutting down about 50 Mango trees where we want to plant rosewood trees. It was lunchtime and they were eating their meagre meals consisting of rice and leaves and when I passed, they offered me some food. Here you visit somebody and when it is mealtime it is just assumed you eat with them and you have to be careful not to insult them by refusing. I always show my stomach and say I am overweight but sometimes the food is nice and I cannot resist it and eat with them. As said, most Thais are Buddhists and very religious and funerals are great times for festivities and free food. Here are no cemeteries in Thailand everybody is cremated at the nearest Watt (Temple) by the monks in the presence of the family and the family places the first few pieces of wood on the body before it is placed in the crematorium oven. The only cemetery I have seen is in Kanchanaburi at the military cemetery of the Prisoners of War murdered by the Japanese at the Bridge on the River Kwai and there are eleven thousand graves of British, American, NZ and Australian troops. Nice place to visit as it is only about 250 km from where I live. 169 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

As you are probably aware the Thais are a peaceful and non-fighting nation and in 1941 the Japs invaded Thailand and it took them less than a day before Thailand capitulated. The Japs had to cross Thailand to get to Burma and the Brits from Malaya The US bombed Bangkok and as usually happens some of the bombs did not explode. In 2014 after I had been here for about 6 months, the Thais demolished a building in Bangkok and were going to build another skyscraper there. Now these guys stripping and preparing the site were digging the foundations for the new building and come upon two 500-pound unexploded bombs. Yet another large piece of scrap to sell to the scrapyard for an extra income and lift the two bombs on a Toyota Hilux truck with a forklift and off they go to the scrapyard somewhere in Bangkok. The owner delighted and the next morning tells his workers to demolish the bombs and the two guys sit down with a cutting torch and start their days work, now as we all know fire and a bomb do not agree especially a cutting torch, the scrapyard the owner and the guys and a few other people all disappeared and all there was a damn big hole and everybody wondering what the hell had happened. The army and police arrived in due course and the people were then told to not to attempt to defuse a bomb as if these idiots were trying to defuse it. Today is Father’s Day in Thailand and where possible the children wash the parents’ feet out of respect for the parents. I just attended the ceremony at Jins, my partner brother's house in the village about a Km from here Well, I will continue next time re the King the country, how it became Thailand as it was previously called Siam, The King and I movie. There is much more re the men of Thailand the women of Thailand the teaching in Thailand. Farming in Thailand Monsoon season, heat and diseases. The Vietnam war, the Polpot regime in Cambodia. The Chinese influence etc Hi Brigadier as daar iets is wat jy wil he ek moet op uitbrei laat my weet! Barry Prachin Buri Thailand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS3GH_BFvFM&t=29s

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INTELLIGENCE | INTELLIGENSIE

MI5 Mailonline MI5 spy dubbed 'Director K' says Russian agents are like an unpredictable storm threatening Britain but Chinese espionage is as dangerous as climate change • Director K has called for an overhaul of the century-old Official Secrets Act 1911 • She warned that Brits should be more vigilant with more diverse threats to UK • In a rare interview with a spy, the mother revealed how her children rumbled her • The spy, in her 40's, warn strategic companies to not sell to Chinese firms By Lizzie May for Mailonline Published: 17:20 GMT, 4 December 2021 | Updated: 17:28 GMT, 4 December 2021 The MI5's head of hostile states counterintelligence has called for the 100-year-old Official Secrets Act to be brought up to date and for the British public to play their part in an unpredictable storm of threats. The senior intelligence officer, who can only be publicly identified by her title, Director K, said there is 'increasingly damaging activity' being put towards the UK by hostile states, including China and Russia. She has warned that British citizens should be more vigilant as threats against the UK are becoming more and more diverse, in the forms of state-backed cyber hackers, electoral interference and more.

Thames House, MI5's Headquarters, where Director K gave an extremely rare interview to warn that British citizens must be more vigilant as threats against the UK are becoming more and more diverse 171 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Other than the director general Ken McCallum, Director K's boss, nobody as senior that the spy, who is in her 40's, has ever given a media interview before. And it is to help it become more wider known that threats against the UK are much more allencompassing. Director K's job involves keeping Britain safe from assassins, spies and protecting the country's intellectual property. Britain is said to be under threat from malign interference which ranges from the theft of intellectual property to crass assassination plots. This includes the Russian spy who stole the blueprint for the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, and the attempt to kill a Russian double agent with Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury by Vladmir Putin. Britain is said to be under threat from malign interference which ranges from the theft of intellectual property to crass assassination plots, including the Russian spy who stole the blueprint for the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. Pictured is the Thames House Arch at MI5 HQ, which was lit up purple to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities The moment Director X's children worked out that their mum is a spy Director K's children discovered she was an MI5 agent with their very own espionage skills. Security services work is so secret that only spouses and closest relatives of the agent can know what their job is. The Telegraph agreed not to disclose how Director X's children deduced what she does for a living, but they confronted her with it and she confessed. They now know what she does for a living - and will have to retain that secret of knowing one of the country's most senior domestic spies' identity. She said that in normal circumstances you would not tell children at a young age because of the weight of importance it has. Even though it happened sooner than planned, she said that her children are sensible and capable enough. 172 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Under the current Official Secrets Act 1911, only two people have been successfully prosecuted, Director K noted. Parts of the original act remain in force even after it was replaced in 1989. Director K said that new legislation is needed because the country is still relying on laws that are a century old. She explained that the decision to overhaul the Act was now in the hands of Parliament who are to decide the perfect balance between keeping Britain and still giving MI5 the tools, they need. She told the Telegraph: 'In the current world, threats really are diverse. 'We are basically looking at it as a set of harms to UK national security and we focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact against the hardest threats. 'The threats we are looking at primarily exist around protecting government, protecting secrets, protecting our people, so counter-assassination, protecting our economy and our sensitive technology and critical knowledge.' In the interview, Director K explained that the espionage of today is less and less like the old school movies of spy-on-spy action. She said that today, it impacts every person in the UK. The UK faced an acute threat from Russia but really it is China's threat, which she describes as chronic, which was more of a long-term concern. Director K described Putin's Russia as an unpredictable storm, but likened China's threat to the great risks posed by climate change. Left: Director K described Putin's Russia as an unpredictable storm and likened China's threat to the great risks posed by climate change. Pictured is the view MI5 staff see as they enter MI5 HQ in Thames House, London She made a point to warn strategic companies to not sell to Chinese firms because intellectual property is often being stolen. In July, director general Ken McCallum gave a major speech at the Thames House headquarters in London to warn that ordinary members of the public are not safe from the issues they face with hostile states. He emphasised that the less visible threats 'have the potential to affect us all'. There have been more than 10,000 'disguised approaches from foreign spies to regular people in the UK, seeking to manipulate them' to date, according to the UK's security service. These approaches were made through social media sites like LinkedIn to steal information. Mr McCallum believes 'regular people' should take care more about cyber-attacks, misinformation, interference and spying on our world-leading research and technology. 173 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Read more: Exclusive: Meet ‘Director K’, the MI5 spy responsible for keeping Britain safe from China and Russia Share or comment on this article: MI5 spy dubbed 'Director K' says Russian agents are like an unpredictable storm threatening Britain https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10274887/MI5-spy-dubbed-Director-K-says-Russianagents-like-unpredictable-storm-threatening-Britain.html

REPUBLIKEINSE INTELLIEGSIE EN BURO VIR STAATSVEILIGHEID • Henning van Aswegen Henning en sy kollegas is tans besig met navorsing vir die boek Spioenmeesters 2 – die Buro vir Staatsveiligheid. “Ons wil baie graag hoor van voormalige RI en BSV-lede wat ‘n bydrae kan maak om die geskiedenis van die veiligheidsdienste korrek, ewewigtig en bowenal feitelik te vertel.” Stuur asseblief bydraes aan henning@hasepad.com – bronverwysings en foto’s is baie welkom.

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VAN DIE REDAKSIE

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OOGGETUIEVERSLAE VAN TERREURDADE GESOEK Help asseblief: So baie van ons lede en lesers was ooggetuies van terreurdade gedurende die rewolusionêre oorlog. Ons is op soek na ooggetuieverslae van ons oudlede. En statistiek. Soos die ou Anglo Boere-oorlog wat meer as 100 jaar gelede plaasgevind het, steeds interessant bly – so het ons rewolusionêre-oorlog van 16 Des 1961 tot 1994 geduur – selfs na die bekende “2 Februarie 1990”-toespraak van mnr FW de Klerk het die stryd eintlik feller voortgeduur veral tussen die ANC en Inkatha en tussen “Hostel dwellers” en “Residents”. Op die foto is majoor Dolf Odendaal nadat ‘n handgranaat na hom gegooi is.

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HUMOR IN UNIFORM …. AG DIS NIKS DIT KON ERGER GEWEES HET Brig Theo Kleynhans Daar het ‘n man in Bloemfontein gewoon en as jy hom iets vertel het, het hy altyd gesê: “Ag dis niks, dit kon erger gewees het” So het sy vriende en vyande hom geken en hom maar so aanvaar. So het dit dan gekom dat neef Gert eendag vir hom vertel van die verskriklike moord wat die vorige dag daar gepleeg was. “Hoe het dit gebeur, wou die man weet?” “Die troepie het twee dae vroeër van die grens af teruggekom as wat hy moes en hy vang sy vrou en haar lover mooi op die job”, vertel oom Gert. “Hy was buite homself van woede en hy skiet altwee net daar mors dood.” “Ag dis niks, dit kon erger gewees het,” sê die man oudergewoonte. “Ag jy praat nou sommer nonsens,” kap oom Gert terug. “Hoe die hel kon dit erger gewees het? Hier lê twee mense dood en jy sê: “dis niks, dit kon erger gewees het”. “Ja”, sê die man, “as die troepie drie dae vroeër terug gekom het, kon dit ek gewees het”.

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LETTERS | BRIEWE

Koot Swanepoel Brigadier Hennie Heymans ek het weereens nie woorde om te beskryf oor die kosbare uitgawe van die Nongqai uitgawe nie. Die PROFESSIONELE en unieke wyse hoe jy die inhoud saamstel en uit le is besonders. Dit is professioneel verby. En die tyd wat jy daaraan spandeer om dit so interessant uit een te sit, mens kan nie stop om alles te lees nie. Ek wil ook asseblief my dank en waardering uitspreek teenoor elke Lid se bydrae aan Hennie om die Nongqai te help vervolmaak. Dankie en seën wense vir elkeen in besonder.

Logan Govender Thank you, Brigadier Hennie Heymans, for your dedication and devotion to the men and women who served. You have honoured them. Salute.

Rina Burger Hennie Heymans, ek lees gereeld gedeeltes van die wonderlike publikasie wat jy met soveel sorg saamstel. Die inhoud is kosbaar en soms voel ek dat almal dit behoort te lees. Ek wens mens kon dit in jou hand vashou en lees. Baie dankie daarvoor.

Christo Retief Hier is nou weer ‘n pragstuk en lekkerlees publikasie vir die Kerstyd. Baie dankie!

Robert Brand Baie interessante stuk... Het dit letterlik verslind.

Philip Hanafey Baie dankie vir die nuutste uitgawe van die tydskrif, dit is soos gewoonlik uiters interessant en nuuswaardig. Dit is goed om die geskiedenis van gebeure, van 'n geloofwaardige bron te verneem. Baie dankie weereens aan u en u span.

Craig Williamson Nongqai Vol 12 No 12B (SAP SB) This well researched and comprehensive publication is especially apt at a time that the dominant political narrative about the conflict of the past is that the SA Security Forces and in particular the SAP Security Branch were guilty of 'crimes against humanity' in their defense of apartheid.

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The good intentions set out in the preamble to the constitution seem all to have been forgotten. Some bad actors seem intent on rekindling the conflict of the past rather than to seek reconciliation and harmony. Every action of the then Security Forces is branded evil on the grounds that Everything that was done was in defense of apartheid which has been declared a 'crime against apartheid '. Concomitantly, anything done by the non-statutory forces is deemed to be acceptable and 'good' in defense against a crime against humanity. The problem with this popular narrative is that it conveniently and totally airbrushes out of history the role of the Soviet Union and other nations in fermenting and encouraging revolution, throughout Africa and elsewhere, in their ideological battle with the West. Any scholar of the history of southern Africa knows full well that, despite their abhorrence at the SA government's domestic policy of 'apartheid', all the most important Western powers supported our Security Forces in our struggle to frustrate and neutralize the revolutionaries acting as surrogates for the Soviet Union. The Soviets used revolutionary movements in various theaters as pawns in their ideological strategy against the West. In this they were well served by Marxist-Leninist 'useful idiots' and fellow travelers amongst the political groups in their target countries, South Africa included. It was the Security Forces role to physically combat this onslaught and it was the role of the Security and Intelligence community to understand and expose the secret structures being utilized by the revolutionaries and their backers. In this our Security Forces worked together with political, military and intelligence structures in most major western nations. Our common goal in the SA context was to prevent the emergence of a puppet Marxist Leninist government. This goal was achieved and our liberal-democratic constitution is proof of that. The role of the Security Branch and the rest of the Security and Intelligence structures was to act as a bulwark against revolution in order to give politicians time to negotiate and implement a peaceful solution. This was achieved, despite the best efforts of some revolutionaries, and was definitely never in defense 'apartheid'.

Brian Harcourt Hennie Heymans And a huge thank you to you too, Brigadier.

Nongqai Vol 12 No 12A: Die NVBS: Mnr AP Stemmet AANDAG BRIG HENNIE HEYMANS. Beste Hennie, Ek is bly dat jy die dokumente ivm die Nasionale Veiligheidsbestuurstelsel saamgevat het. Dusver was dit redelik fragmentaries versprei en behalwe enkele artikels destyds in Politeia en ISSUP (Univ Pretoria) is daar nie veel oor hierdie unieke stelsel gepubliseer nie. Ek sê uniek, 178 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

want waar in die wêreld is al daarin geslaag om elke staatsamptenaar tot op die laagste vlak by landsveiligheid betrek ? Die gedeelte wat op my versoek deur Brig-genl Le Clus saamgestel is, is die volledigste wat ooit oor die onderwerp geskryf is. Wat die NVBS reggekry het, is om die Veiligheidsmagte vir jare op die kookpot te laat sit om politici en akademici geleentheid te gee om ‘n staatkundige model vir die RSA te ontwikkel. Iets wat hulle en die SEM departemente (Staatkundig, Ekonomies en Maatskaplik) ongelukkig nie kon regkry nie. Die tyd wat ons gekoop het, het hulle vermors. Vandaar die huidige RSA... As daar in 1982 na ons by die SSVR geluister is . . . . Dit is jammer dat onheilighede nou deur onkundiges en kwaadwilliges aan die NVBS toegedig word. Miskien kan hierdie samevatting by universiteits biblioteke geplaas word. Navorsers sal dit ' n handige bron vind. Adamus P Stemmet (AP)

Charles Brink Baie dankie vir die uitgawe met die baie foto's... Het die soortgelyke ervarings in die Mount Darwin/ Centenary omgewing gehad maar ongelukkig nie so baie foto’s geneem nie... Goeie herinneringe !!

Koot Swanepoel 'n Besondere blad. Ek het 'n skildery gehad van daardie boog rots en dit vir iemand gegee. Ja dit is so jammer dat daardie uniform trots en dissipline nie meer vandag te bespeur is by die Mag nie.

Stephanus Lourens van Vuuren Baie dankie Brig Hennie Heymans, u doen uitstekende werk. Ek hoop die dames gaan hierdie uitgawe geniet.

Louis Langenhoven Baie dankie aan Brig Heymans. Hierdie is groot stukke geskiedenis, meestal uit die perd se bek uit, en sonder die poging om dit so saam te bring sou dit bes moontlik in vergetelheid geraak het.

Stephanus Lourens van Vuuren Baie dankie, hierdie is voorwaar goeie werk wat julle doen. Ons salueer jul.

Mnr Johan Mostert Hennie/Willem, 179 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

'n Geseënde Kersfees word vir julle en julle gesinne toegewens. Mag julle die gees van hierdie fees kennelik ervaar. Dankie vir julle onbaatsugtige diens om die geskiedenis te boekstaaf. Geskiedskrywing in SuidAfrika word daardeur gedien. Dit word baie waardeer. Groete. Johan. Barry Fowler: Maps: SADF & SAP Bases

Dear Brigadier – I have collected some sketch maps and aerial photos of the SADF bases in the SWA-Angola border and I plan to put these into book form to make them available to those interested. The aim is to preserve SADF history rather than to make any money! I have a `personal account’ of a SADF doctor who served at Police Base Ukuludi who kindly drew me a sketch map. I would like to include police bases but have very little information apart from that one, but have come across mentions of police bases at Ongwediva, Ongha and might have been police presences if not actual bases at Onesi & Tsandi. I think these were all in Sector 10 Owamboland, but if these existed, there might also have been police bases in the Kaokoveld, Sector 20 and Sector 70 (Caprivi). May I ask if you or any of your subscribers know these bases, and/or others – and – it would be fantastic if they could point me to sketch maps – or draw one for me themselves. I plan to publish what I have in the next month or so – at which time people can see what I have gathered and decide whether to contribute to a second edition. Many thanks and best wishes, Barry Fowler NB Leon Straus is a kuiervriend van my - he suggested that I contact you. He's just added some info for me to tell you if you ask about his book - which I'll send you if you are interested! Naam weerhou Goeienaand Brigadier Brigadier ek moet net sê dat bladsy 11 van die Vol 12 No 12 Nongqai, veral die stuk oor Roodepoortstasie, my baie hartseer gemaak het. Tot 1997 het ek 'n huis in Roodepoort besit. Naby aan die ou SAP Kaserne en Kantien en natuurlik naby aan Roodepoortstasie. Dit was altyd 'n veilige plek om te woon. Roodepoortpolisiestasie is ook baie naby en mens kan van die spoorwegstasie na die polisiestasie toe stap. Ek het onlangs, op Google Street View, my ou huis en die omgewing aangesien. Ek kan nie glo dat die hele plek so agteruitgegaan het nie. Die hulle omgewing lyk verskriklik! En die stasie self lyk baie sleg. In die 1980's en vroeë 1990's kon 'n mens enige tyd van die dag of nag, sonder 'n probleem deur daardie stasie se tonnel stap. Om die trein te haal of na Roodepoort self toe te gaan. Maar, ek kan eerlik sê dat ek dit nie meer sou probeer doen nie. 180 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Afgesien van die feit dat ek in Roodepoort gewoon het, kom ek oorspronklik van 'n Spoorwegfamilie en ek het die meeste van die ou stasies geken. Om hul huidige toestand te sien is baie ontstellend. Soms kan ek net wonder: Wat het nou eintlik van ons land geword! Ek vermis die land van my geboorte maar ek haat dit om sulke verval te sien. Geseënde Kersfees & Voorspoed vir die Nuwe jaar!

Jim Hooper My dear friend Hennie-My very best hope that you and your wife enjoy the best Christmas you've ever had. And that 2022 is the best year in a lifetime. Your dedication to Nongqai will forever be a marvel. Without Hennie Heymans, the achievements of many honourable men would be forgotten. Stay safe. Jim

2021: ABSENT FRIENDS 2021: HEILDRONK OP AFGESTORWE KAMERADE

Conrad “Tallies” Thalwitzer: Namibië. 181 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Beste mede-oudkollegas, Nuwejaarsgroete en seënwense hier uit die Bosveld. Mag 2022 net vreugde en goeie gesondheid vir julle en jul geliefdes inhou. Groetnis George Fivaz 182 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Genl Gert Opperman: Pretoria

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Saluut Wapenbroer Ruud Slaagen: Nederland.Onder genl Bertus Steyn, Pretoria.

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Gertina van der Merwe (Weermag) Wanneer die sonsak onthou ons ons veterane en hulle wat gesterf het. Ek drink ‘n drankie ook op Cobus! 185 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Col Logan Govender (SAP/S) Pietermaritzburg

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Sarie van Niekerk: Boksburg (Eerste groep Vroeupolisie)

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Kol Corrie Prinsloo

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Paul du Preez, Greytown

Kol Henk van Heerden sê:” SALUUT aan ons mede kamerade wat die hoogste prys betaal het.”

VLNR, Maj (Dr) Riaan Jacobs (SAGD), Kol (Aft) Johann Posthumus (SA Leër), KO Vanessa Jacobs (SAGD), V/Sers Jakes Jacobs (SALM) Chopper Boord tegnikus, Helena Jacobs (eggenote), Helen Posthumus (eggenote). Mosselbaai 31/12/21. Gedenk ons militêre veterane. Saluut! 189 Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Lt-Col Aurry Pillay: Photo from Johannesburg. Capt Barry Taylor and Brother-in-Law: He is a Colonel in the Royal Thai Airforce Thailand

Frans Bedfort-Visser: Skotland

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NAWOORD | AFTERWORD | SLOTGEDAGTE Dr Willem Boshoff Ons basis-teks vir 2022 is Gal 5:6 “Al wat van belang is, is geloof wat deur die liefde tot dade oorgaan.” Dit gaan nie goed met Suid-Afrika nie. Ek voel nie dis nodig om al die redes op te stapel om die stelling te staaf nie. Mens hoef maar net op enige gegewe dag die koerant oop te maak of nuus te luister oor die TV of radio. Diefstal, korrupsie, geweldsmisdade, ensovoorts is aan die orde van die dag. ‘n Mens wonder soms waar die draaipunt gaan wees en wie die gewenste verandering ten goede gaan bring? Saam met Ps. 146 voel ek dis nutteloos om te verwag dat politici en ander belangrike mense die land gaan regruk. Ons is pas deur ‘n verkiesingstyd en ons het geluister na wonderlike beloftes wat kandidate van verskillende politieke partye gemaak het. ‘n Mens moet baie naïef wees om te glo daardie nuwe besems gaan die land gou-gou skoon vee… Ek skaar my eerder by die Bybel wat sê: “Moenie op magtiges vertrou nie, nie op ‘n mens nie; hy kan jou nie red nie” (Ps. 146:2). Totius se baie bekende beryming stel dit soos volg: “Moet op prinse nie vertrou nie, by wie niemand heil kan vind – op die mens jou hoop nie bou nie; want as God hul gees ontbind, keer hul na die aarde weer en hul raadslag stort terneer. As ons hoop gevestig is op ‘n mens (maak nie saak wat sy/haar naam of titel is nie), is ons op ‘n hopelose plek. Slegs God is in staat om ons land ten goede te verander. In plaas van om wanhopig te wag vir ‘n menslike redder om op te daag, moet ons eerder na God draai en al ons hoop en verwagting op Hom plaas. “Dit gaan goed met die mens wat sy hulp van die God van Jakob ontvang, die mens wie se hoop gevestig is op die Here, sy God” (Ps. 146:5). Kom ons begin by onsself - ons kan tog nie ander mense en hulle besluite beheer nie! Draai terug na God toe! Stel al jou hoop en verwagting op Hom! Laat jou persoonlike geloof deur die liefde tot dade oorgaan. My bekering gaan nie ‘n land regruk nie, maar dis die regte plek om te begin!

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BR REKENMEESTERS

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SLOT

END

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Nongqai Vol 13 No 1

Articles inside

Die toordokter en sy 6-jarige slagoffer

MAJ JF ROSSOUW: GEBORE TE MONTAGU

Die Landdroskantoorgebou

KAPT SL ‘FANIE’ VAN VUUREN

Die toordokter se “moeti” laat Forensies kopkrap

RUACANA... SHOULD OLD ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOTTEN...?

WAR CORRESPONDENT: HENRY RIDER HAGGARD