2025: THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE (SAP) COUNTER INSURGENCY (COIN) UNIT VETERANS LEAGUE’S ANNUAL MEMMORIAL
Compiled by Wolfgang Witschas
On a crisp Saturday morning, closest to August 26th, the South African Police (SAP) Counter Insurgency (Coin) Unit Veterans League gather at the Maleoskop statues placed in front of the Wall of Remembrance, that honours the 105 men who from 1966 to 1989 served and sacrificed their lives with the South African Police (SAP) Counter Insurgency (COIN) Unit, during the Rhodesian and South West African (SWA) Bush War.
Their mission is to pay homage to the brave police officers who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of active service. The SAP COIN Unit Veterans league, comprising of Border War Veterans and Supporters attend the event and the event is also attended by members of other military Veteran Organisations. Together, they stand as a symbol of support for the families of the fallen heroes and a reminder that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. This collective effort ensures that the legacies of the brave officers live on, inspiring future generations in the form of younger supporter members to follow in their footsteps.
As the sun cast its golden rays upon the statues, the veterans are welcomed, and each attendee takes his seat. With each step, they draw closer to the memorial, their hearts heavy with reverence. The air is filled with the sweet scent of wreaths, carefully prepared to adorn the Memorial wall.
The ceremony opens with the placement of the banners of the various Veteran Organisations attending, being deployed with brisk drill movements. After a welcoming address it is followed with a poignant speech, delivered by the league’s chairman. He first gives a summary of the unique history of the day of commemoration, 26 August 1966, when the Border War or Bush War started at a SWAPO training camp in Ovamboland in South West Africa (SWA), Ongulumbashe with Operation Blouwildebees. He speaks of the selflessness and courage exhibited by the fallen officers for 23 years until the end of the Bush War, who had dedicated their lives to protecting their country and its people.
The chaplain’s service follows setting the tone for the commemoration ceremony, offering words of comfort and reflection and is followed by the Veterans version of the song “Hallelujah” sung by a young female COIN Supporter. Then the Tribute “We Remember”, a poignant acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by fallen comrades. The Last Post (bugle call), a traditional signal to commemorate the fallen, played by a trumpeter followed by two minutes of silence as a moment for contemplation, reflection, and respect. At the end the Reveille (bugle call), a symbolic call to awaken, signalling the end of the two-minute silence and a reminder to move forward, is played by the trumpeter. The veterans stand in contemplation, remembering the sacrifices made by their comrades.
Family members and friends, followed by the veterans of the various Military Veterans Organisations attending then lay wreaths at the base of the wall, their hands trembling with emotion but still saluting smartly. Afterwards a special tribute is also paid to the police dogs and all other animals who had lost their lives during the Bush War. This is proudly done by a COIN veteran dog handler and his dog. The veterans place additional wreaths against the right corner of the Wall of Remembrance, where the plaque with the names of the dogs are engraved, acknowledging the invaluable service and loyalty of these four-legged heroes.
This is also a day to remember their fellow members of the SAP COIN Unit Veterans League who passed on at an additional wall specially placed at the side of the Memorial Wall to pay tribute to their role in the Border War and the erection of the Memorial wall. Their family members have the chance to lay flowers as a tribute.
The SAP Coin Unit Veterans League’s annual ceremony at their Memorial wall is a powerful way to honour the memories of fallen police officers and their loyal canine partners. The bravery and dedication of these individuals will never be forgotten, thanks to this poignant reminder. The fact that their names are etched on the wall serves as a permanent reminder of their sacrifice, ensuring that their memory lives on. It’s a testament to the bond between those who served together, and a reminder of the risks and challenges they had faced.
This tribute is a heartfelt way to acknowledge the contributions of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to provide closure and solace to their families and colleagues. It’s a tradition that will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of police officers and their canine partners.
Inspired by Gert Visagè
Compiled by Wolfgang Witschas and
Edited by Martin Loubser
