Sarpolice

1958: SAR POLICE: DURBAN

Mervyn Mitton via Frans Bedford Visser

"I do have memories from - I think - 1958 -when a large demonstration took place in Durban and ended up in front of the old prison, that was in the centre of Town. There were no SAP available - they were trying to stop another march coming over the Berea - and to defend the prison 30 railway police lined up in front of the gates. They warned the demonstrators - some 10,000 strong of severe action if they didn't lay down their arms and disperse. I was standing at the back of the demo with a friend who worked for the Daily News - and I remember an old Sgt. Maj. of the Railway Police coming round and saying, 'now lads, don't stand here, if we open fire you'll get hurt'. I was only 21 then, so we quickly 'moved on'. After the demonstrators had gone - three x 3ton lorries were needed to collect all the weapons left on the ground. I've kicked myself for over 50 years, that I didn't get in there to collect some of the old Zulu weaponry".