Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

995 articles

ABS - ISU

War in Peace: ISU East Rand

War in Peace: The Truth About the South African Police’s East Rand Riot Unit, 1986–1994 by Sgt Nick Howarth is a firsthand account of policing during one of the most volatile periods in South African history. Unlike political or academic narratives, this book is written from the perspective of a frontline riot policeman who served in the East Rand during the final years of apartheid and the transition to democracy. Drawing on real incidents, lived experiences and the emotional realities of daily service, Howarth captures the fear, confusion, courage, camaraderie and dark humour that shaped the lives of Internal Stability Division members. The book honours the thousands of riot police officers and their families whose sacrifices were seldom acknowledged, and provides younger and international readers with rare insight into a world usually described from the outside. Its global reception underscores the universal human themes of loyalty, survival, loss and brotherhood. War in Peace stands as an important historical record of a country in conflict, and a tribute to the men who served during those turbulent years.

SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES HISTORY PRESERVED

Spying in Cyprus

A man, of dual British and Azerbaijani nationality is being was arrested on 17 July 2026 and is held in Cyprus pending a hearing on a request for his extradition to the United Kingdom, where the authorities accuse him of spying at the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri, Cyprus in the southern part of the island. It is the first British investigation abroad under the National Security Act.

SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES HISTORY PRESERVED

Spioenkop

This chapter examines the Battle of Spioenkop (23–24 January 1900), one of the most decisive and tragic engagements of the Second Boer War. It outlines the British capture and subsequent loss of the summit due to poor reconnaissance, miscommunication, and tactical confusion. The narrative highlights key figures such as General Edward Woodgate, Dr Frederick Treves, General Joachim Christoffel Fourie, Captain Hendrik Frederik Slegtkamp, and international volunteers including Joseph and August Hammar and John Costas. The chapter integrates battlefield descriptions, personal accounts, medical details, and cultural artefacts to illustrate the human dimension of the conflict. It also traces how Boer tactical ingenuity, including actions at Aloe Knoll/Alwynkoppie, contributed to the British defeat. The legacy of Spioenkop is presented through graves, memorials, and later artistic depictions, underscoring its enduring place in South African and international military history.

Police Dog Unit / Honde-eenheid

Hondemanne: Tollie Vreugdenburg

Nongqai vol 17 No 8 – Hondemanne: Tollie Vreugdenburg

Nuusbrief (SASPOL) Spesiale Taakmag

Nuusbrief 4 - SA Spoorwegpolisie se Spesiale Taakmag

04/2025

"Veterane Tree Aan!" - Pretoria FM

Veterane Tree Aan: Menere Lamprecht & Lotriet

As sameroeper van die program “Veterane Tree Aan” het ek ’n oud kollega van die Sekretariaat van die Staatsveiligheidsraad, en een van die oorspronklike stigters van Spesmagte, genl.-maj. Dan Lamprecht, genooi om aan ’n episode deel te neem. Ons doen twee episodes namekaar. Ek het ook ’n voormalige bevelvoerder van die elite SA Spoorwegpolisie se Spesiale Taakmag, en senior lid van Nasionale Intelligensie, mnr. Johan Lotriet, genooi - HB Heymans

18338 Bloukrans

Maandbrief: Potpourri

This month’s letter weaves together South African history, policing heritage, personal memoir, and spiritual reflection. It opens with the remarkable story of Johanna van der Merwe — “a Voortrekker heroine who survived more than 20 assegai wounds during the Bloukrans massacre” — and expands into a broad historical survey of early policing bodies such as the Natal Mounted Police, Cape Police, Durban Borough Police, the Railway Police, and units active during the Anglo-Boer War. Interspersed with these historical accounts are vivid personal recollections: early police service in Wentworth, encounters with former colleagues, and meetings with figures from the South African Police, Railway Police, and National Intelligence Service. The letter also reflects deeply on Afrikaner identity, language decline, cultural shifts after 1994, and the changing landscape of schools, churches, and communities. The narrative asks the poignant question: What became of the once formidable Afrikaner? The final section offers a spiritual meditation on Simon of Cyrene — “the man who carried the cross” — and the enduring faith legacy of his family in the early Christian church. The article concludes as a rich blend of historical documentation, personal narrative, cultural commentary, and devotional insight.

1988: Forensiese Wetenskaplike Laboratorium (FWL) Silverton

Wollie word 80

Wollie Wolmarans word 80-jaar oud.

1982 - 10th Anniversary of Women Police

Die roos Polisiedame

This article by Ida Steyn recounts the creation of the Polisiedame, a rose, a unique yellow rose cultivated to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the appointment of the first women in the South African Police Force. Brigadier Steve van Rooyen and Amanda Louw initiated the idea, and renowned rose grower Ludwig Taschner developed the cultivar with the approval of the Commissioner, General Hennie de Witt. The rose, symbolising light, hope, warmth, and appreciation, was named “Polisiedame” to honour the courage and dedication of South African policewomen. The first rose was presented to Mrs. Corrie Vlok, wife of Minister Adriaan Vlok, marking its place as a living monument to the pioneering women of the police. The article concludes that the rose continues to bloom as a lasting tribute to their service and legacy. (Cited from the document: “Die Polisiedame-roos herinner ons daaraan dat die nalatenskap van die pioniersvroue… leef in ’n blom wat hul moed, deursettingsvermoë en diens aan Suid-Afrika simboliseer.”)

Africa and Global Power

Mali: Piet van Zyl

Working in Mali

BfSS NIS

Suspected Spy

This brief note refers to a 1974 Rand Daily Mail report in which Dr Eschel Rhoodie denied allegations that he or his department had any dealings with a suspected spy. The piece highlights the political sensitivity of the period and reflects the broader climate of suspicion surrounding intelligence activities in South Africa during the mid 1970s. Although concise, the reference underscores the tension between government communication structures and public accusations related to espionage. (Cited from the document: “WE HAD NO DEALING WITH SPY” — Rand Daily Mail.)

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

Spying at NATO

A Canadian woman of Chinese origin has been arrested for allegedly spying while working as an intern at the military headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance (Nato), according to Belgian prosecutors. Canadian officials, including Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, launched a review of how the suspect passed security screening by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).