Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

Keyword:Natal Police / Natalse Polisie Clear all

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1906 Bambatha Rebellion (Medal)

1906: Natal Police (Colonial) Officers

This 1957 letter from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Natal Division, responds to a request from the Military Historical Section regarding a photograph of Natal Police officers. The Deputy Commissioner supplies biographical notes on seven individuals—Lieut C.L. Archer, 1/Sgt C. Woodgate, R.S.M. W. Ingle, Maj O. Dimmick, Staff/Sgt S. Martin, J.B. Burdett (probable), and one of three possible candidates for the seventh figure: J.K. Popham, Lt Strange, or Edmond‑White. The correspondence suggests the photograph may date from the 1906 Natal‑Zululand Rebellion, when a composite unit was formed from the Natal Mounted Police, Natal Police Field Force, and Zululand Mounted Police. A second page notes the existence of the Natal Mounted Police / Natal Police Old Comrades Association and the difficulty of obtaining further information from surviving members.

Local South African Police Forces

SAP King’s Rest

A personal and historical reflection on policing at King’s Rest and the Bluff, spanning from colonial Natal Police days to the modern SAP era.

1906 Bambatha Rebellion (Medal)

SAP Long Service Medal

This article explores the long and distinguished policing and military career of Grade 1 Head Constable Charles Detmold Robbins, a Natal Policeman who later served in the 2nd South African Mounted Rifles (SAMR) and earned the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service & Good Conduct Medal. Robbins’ service reflects the transitional period during which the Natal Police were absorbed into the newly formed Union Defence Force and South African Police, with the SAMR assuming policing duties across Natal. Robbins participated in the Anglo Boer War, earning the Queen’s South Africa Medal with bars Natal, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, and South Africa 1902. He also served during the 1906 Natal Native (Bambatha) Rebellion, receiving the 1906 Medal with Clasp. His shooting achievements were notable, winning multiple competitions including the Hine Cup in 1912. His long service award, although earned in 1911, was only issued in 1916 after administrative delays. The medal is particularly interesting because it bears a police rank on a military long service medal, reflecting the hybrid nature of SAMR service. Robbins retired in 1923 as a state prosecutor and died in 1940, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the evolution of policing in Natal and the early Union period. “The medal is named No 710 1st GDE. HD. CONST. C.D. Robbins 2nd SAMR.” “He served in the Boer War with Natal Police… earning the Queens South Africa Medal with bars.”

1913 ZA Berede Skutters

ZABS

Abstract This short article examines the reorganisation of policing in the newly formed Union of South Africa between 1911 and 1926, focusing on the creation, structure, and eventual dissolution of the South African Mounted Rifles (SAMR). Established under Act 14 of 1912 and formally constituted on 1 April 1913, the SAMR unified several former colonial — the Cape Mounted Police, Cape Mounted Rifles, Natal Police, Orange Free State Police, and Transvaal Police — into a single paramilitary policing organisation. The SAMR comprised five geographically dispersed regiments supported by an artillery brigade of five batteries. From 1916, a Military Police detachment was incorporated into the establishment, with specialised duties performed from ordinary police stations and small garrison-based units such as the 14‑man detachment at Roberts Heights. Comparable detachments likely operated in other Union garrison centres. In 1920, the five regiments were disbanded, with 26 officers, 196 non‑commissioned officers, and 1,022 troopers transferred to the South African Police. The remaining personnel were consolidated into a single regiment stationed at Roberts Heights, which continued to function until its final disbandment in 1926. The study highlights the SAMR’s transitional role between colonial policing traditions and the emerging national police system of the Union.

Durban Borough Police * Durban Gemeentelike Politie

Water Police: Durban

Durban Borough Police - Water Police at Point + Photographs

1939 - 1945: The Wartime SA Police

Nongqai Album 2/2026

A collection of historic South African military & police photos

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.

Natal Police (Colony)

Natal Police: The Long Arm of the Law

Police work is interesting and varied. Crime and criminals keep us in business. Criminals sometimes afford policemen the opportunity to travel and see the world at state expense. A policeman’s lot is sometimes a happy lot! - With apology to Gilbert & Sullivan. This is an interesting account of early escort duties that were performed by members of the Natal Police. Today the police use aircraft to escort prisoners that are extradited.

Bosluise

Inspections

Parade Inspections in the Natal Mounted Police, Natal Police, and South African Police were regular features in a policeman's life. Kit had to be clean and was inspected. Official handbooks had to amended and up to date.

Local South African Police Forces

Nongqai Magazine: From Natal Police to South African Police and South African Forces (1907 – 1961): Revived and Still Going Strong

NONGQAI MAGAZINE: FROM NATAL POLICE TO SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE AND SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES (1907 – 1961): REVIVED AND STILL GOING STRONG

SAP Hall of Fame

Sap King's Rest

History of the former SAP Kings Rest Durban police station

SAP History / Geskiedenis

SAP King's Rest

(Geagte leser: Kan ek met u vergunning asseblief van ‘n “paai” in plaas van ‘n “pie” praat?)