Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

995 articles

Nongqai

Mnr DHC Homfray: Redakteur Nongqai

D. H. C. Homfray served as the long‑standing editor of The Nongqai, shaping the journal from its early years into the leading service publication in Southern Africa. Born in the Andaman Islands and trained in England, he joined the Natal Mounted Police in 1899, where his experiences across policing, military duties and prison administration informed his later editorial vision. A severe injury redirected him from active service to journalism, and his tenure as editor — spanning 1909–1911, 1914–1915 and 1921–1946 — gave The Nongqai its distinctive character rooted in tradition, discipline and the ethos of uniformed service. After retiring in 1946, Homfray settled near Cape Town as a farmer, continuing a life shaped by service and dedication.

SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES HISTORY PRESERVED

In Memoriam: Brigadier J.C.P. GOOSEN†

NONGQAI. IN MEMORIAM: BRIGADIER J.C.P. GOOSEN†

Editions / Uitgawes

Nongqai - Digital Edition - August 2026

Nongqai August 2026, Volume 17 Nr. 8. Maanduitgawe Augustus/August 2026.

"Veterane Tree Aan!" - Pretoria FM

Programrooster: “Veterane Tree Aan”

Nongqai Vol 17 No 9 – (4) Programrooster: “Veterane Tree Aan”

Bosluise

Filosofie: Die inbreek van Perde met Caritas?

Bosletterkunde

Gedig: Die Spook van die SAP(V)

Poetry about the Security Branch of the South African Police

1988 Perd-standbeeld - SAP-kollege

1. SAP Beeld van Ruiter en Perd

The Eques Incognitus statue’s journey reflects the enduring spirit of South Africa’s Mounted Police, moving from the SAP College to Potchefstroom as a living symbol of service and tradition. It stands today as a tribute to loyalty and heritage, echoing the legacy of Abadan L123 and the men and horses who served with honour.

1963 - 50th Anniversary of the SAP

1963 Rugby BSAP vs SAP

During the SAP’s Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations in March 1963, BSAP rugby and golf representatives joined their South African counterparts for a programme of sport, ceremony, and hospitality in Pretoria. The tour strengthened ties between the forces and showcased athletic excellence, tradition, and goodwill.

SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES HISTORY PRESERVED

Spesiale Taakmagte: Gesigsbedekking

Nongqai Vol 17 No 8 – Spesiale Taakmagte: Gesigsbedekking

Defence Policy and Strategy

Can Foreign Policy be Separated from Morality? Joan Swart

Foreign policy is often presented as a calculation of national interest, separate from emotion and morality. Yet national interest itself is shaped by history, values and strategic culture, raising a difficult question: when principle, international law and material interests conflict, how should a state decide what it ought to do?

Badges & Ranks & Uniforms

Wondergat: Diving

This article traces the 37 year policing career of Herman Coetzer, whose work as a police diver became a defining part of his professional identity. Beginning in 1984, he combined operational policing with specialised underwater search, rescue and recovery skills. Wondergat, a historic and challenging inland dive site, played a central role in his development and in the heritage of South African police diving. After retirement, Coetzer continued advancing his diving qualifications, contributing to both community safety and the preservation of Wondergat’s legacy.

Commendation

Fanie se beste arrestasie

This article recounts Fanie van Vuuren’s most memorable arrest during his 23 year police career. In October 2005 he helped foil an armed bank robbery at FNB Brackenhurst, arresting four suspects on the roof. The incident involved dangerous conditions, multiple armed robbers, and rapid coordination between units. His decisive actions earned him a reward and public recognition in national newspapers and television news.