Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

996 articles

Life Story

A Woman of Firsts Honouring Lieutenant General Sharon Jephta’s 38-Year Legacy

Lieutenant General Sharon Jephta’s career in the South African Police Service reflects a trajectory of exceptional leadership, resilience, and historic achievement. Rising through some of the organisation’s most demanding roles—including Station Commander, Cluster Commander, Deputy Area Commissioner, Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner for Inspectorate, and ultimately Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing—she broke significant barriers as the only woman to serve as Divisional Commissioner for Inspectorate and the only Coloured female Lieutenant General in SAPS history. Her academic accomplishments include an MBA, a National Diploma in Policing, a Diploma in Community Policing, and professional qualifications in life coaching and family counselling. Retiring in October 2019, she leaves behind a distinguished legacy and a powerful example of courage and possibility for women and communities across South Africa.

SAP History / Geskiedenis

South African Police: A Life of Service and Courage: Constable KP Jack

KP Jack (1918–1986) began his career as a teacher before joining the South African Police in 1949, balancing family life with a strong commitment to public service. Over nearly four decades, he served at several stations in the Durban region, undertaking duties ranging from relief work and uniform investigations to detective work, where his judgment, diligence, and integrity earned lasting respect. He later contributed significantly to the suspect staff unit, now the Local Criminal Record Centre, providing essential support to investigative processes. Although he formally retired as a detective in 1977, he immediately returned in a temporary capacity to assist with docket filing, continuing to serve until 1986. His 37‑year career reflects unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a legacy honoured by colleagues and community alike.

BOOKS / BOEKE

Skrywers en Boeke - Vrystaatstories

Vrystaatstories - Book, Children's stories and adventures from the Orange Free State, Henning van Aswegne, Naledi Publishers.

Life Story

An Autobiography: Lieutenant-Colonel Subramonia Pillai: Dedicated to my beloved wife, Vimla, my star in life

The life journey of the late Colonel S Pillai, B Proc, (South African Police) is a richly woven biography that reads like a novel, portraying the struggles and triumphs of a man who chose to place his future at the service of the present—transforming helplessness into purpose, choice, and conviction. Colonel Subramonia Pillai, the legend, hero, mentor, and coach to so many, will be remembered for years to come, both by the men and women in blue and by the community he served with such unwavering dedication

Durban Borough Police * Durban Gemeentelike Politie

Natal Colony: Pionier African (Zulu) Policemen

This photo-article examines the pioneering role of Black policemen in the Durban Borough Police, Pietermaritzburg Borough Police, and the Natal Mounted Police. Recruited largely from strong Zulu men, these early policemen—despite limited training—proved to be disciplined, loyal, and effective guardians of civic order. They arrested drunks, thieves, and pickpockets, and their honesty and dedication set a lasting example for modern policing. Their service, often under harsh conditions with minimal equipment, illustrates both the resilience of African policemen and the colonial reliance on Zulu martial traditions. Through photographs and narrative, this article highlights their courage, loyalty, and enduring legacy.

British Army in Colonial South Africa

NONGQAI VOLUME 16, Number 11 - November 2025

Nongqai Volume 16 Nr. 11 - Desember 2025.

1899 - 1902 Anglo Boer War

Matjiesfontein and General Andrew Wauchope

Matjiesfontein was founded in 1884 by the legendary and energetic Scottish railway man, James Douglas Logan. The village established itself as a Victorian health spa and is now well known for its splendid historical buildings and a peace and timelessness that is rare in the modern-day.

INSURGENCIES IN AFRICA

Irregular Forces: Informal, Commercial and Criminal (3) - Helmoed Romer Heitman

Helmoed Romer Heitman: In addition to the classic guerrilla forces, whether fully irregular or government supported, there are also entirely informal paramilitary groups in Africa.

Canadian colonial Forces in South Africa

Second Anglo Boer War (1899-1902): Canadian Unit - Strathcona's Horse

Afrikaans Literature in Uniform

Skrywers & Boeke - Strand Leesfees 6 Desember 2025

STRAND LEESFEES 6 DESEMBER 2025

Anglo-Boer War (1899 - 1902)

Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902): Von Steinaecker's Horse (SH) Unit - Wolfgang Witschas

"Steinaecker's Horse unit" (SH) was a volunteer British military unit created by the British Military Intelligence, that fought for the British during the Second Anglo-Boer War or South African War (1899-1902), operating primarily in the Lowveld of the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek (ZAR), Swaziland,

Angola

Political Rememberance of South African Border War Veterans - Eben Marè & Dylan Mayers

South African Border War Veterans, Angolan Bush War, Frontline States, Angola and Mozambique, South African Defence Force [SADF], Memories and Experiences of South African soldiers in Angola and South West Africa (Namibia).