Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

3 articles match your filters

Amalgamation with SA Police

Anita van Zyl

Anita van Zyl recounts her career in the South African Railway Police, later integrated into the SAP and SAPD. She describes the stringent recruitment process, six‑month training at Esselen Park, and the unique living arrangements for female recruits. Her narrative highlights the disciplined daily routine, academic and practical subjects, and the strong camaraderie among trainees. Van Zyl reflects on operational duties across stations, airports, and harbours, including riot control, crime investigation, and specialised units. She offers vivid memories of unrest areas such as Katlehong and Tembisa, where women served alongside men in full combat gear. The account also covers sporting activities, cultural identity within the force, and the impact of the amalgamation that dissolved the Railway Police. Despite the organisational changes, she emphasises the enduring legacy, reunions, and pride shared among former members. Her memoir stands as a tribute to the professionalism, resilience, and unity of the SA Railway Police.

1976 Soweto Riots / Soeto-onluste

Soweto Onluste 16 Junie 1976

This document provides a first-hand account of a South African Police constable who was deployed during the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976. The narrative describes his sudden mobilization, deployment to Soweto, and involvement in controlling widespread unrest alongside a police reaction unit and Special Task Force members. It highlights the chaotic and violent conditions encountered, including protests, looting, arson, and the use of force against demonstrators. The account also reflects on the physical and psychological hardships experienced by police personnel, such as lack of sleep, food shortages, extreme cold, and prolonged exposure to violence. Additionally, the document offers personal observations on the nature of the protests, the escalation into unrest, and subsequent deployments to other regions. Overall, it presents a subjective perspective on a significant historical event in South Africa, emphasizing operational challenges and the human experience of law enforcement during civil unrest.

1976 Onwards - Riots

16 Junie 1976 – Mamelodi

Abstract The author provides a vivid first person account of the events of 16 June 1976 as experienced by a lieutenant in the South African Police stationed at Silverton. What began as a routine winter morning quickly escalated when he and a small team were deployed to Mamelodi, where large scale unrest had erupted. He describes scenes of chaos: crowds throwing stones and petrol bombs, burning barricades, looted shops, and the destruction of administrative buildings. The narrative highlights the fear, exhaustion, and sense of helplessness felt by the small police contingent, as well as the extreme cold and the absence of food or relief for many hours. The arrival of riot units, the presence of international media, and the role of taxis in driving the unrest are recalled in detail. The following days brought more organisation, community support, and structured police deployment. Reflecting fifty years later, the author emphasises how these events shaped him personally and professionally, and how the camaraderie and solidarity forged during that period remain among his strongest memories. ABSTRAK: Die skrywer bied ’n persoonlike, eerstehandse getuienis van die gebeure van 16 Junie 1976 in Mamelodi, soos ervaar deur ’n luitenant in die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie. Hy beskryf die oggend se roetine, die skielike opdrag om na Mamelodi te gaan, en die chaotiese tonele van oproer, geweld, plundering en brandstigting wat hom en sy kollegas begroet het. Die vertelling beklemtoon die intense gevaar, die gevoel van magteloosheid, die uiterste koue en die uitputting van ’n dag en nag sonder aflos of kos. Die skrywer herinner aan die rol van die media, die taxi’s wat die skares aangevuur het, en die uiteindelike organisering van polisiemagte en ondersteuning uit die gemeenskap. Hy reflekteer oor die vormende invloed van hierdie tydperk op sy loopbaan en persoonlike ontwikkeling, en beklemtoon die kameraadskap en solidariteit wat tussen kollegas gesmee is. Vyftig jaar later bly die gebeure vir hom lewend en onvergeetlik.