BfSS NIS
National Intelligence Service – Covert Collection
National Intelligence Service – Covert Collection : The development of Covert Collection in the National Intelligence Service by Johan Lotriet and Tony Turton
All Articles
6 articles match your filters
SA Railways Police / Spoorwegpolisie
1985: SASPOL-STM: 10-jarige herdenking
The article commemorates the tenth anniversary of the South African Railway Police Special Task Force, highlighting its formation, operational achievements, and enduring contribution to national security. It reflects on the unit’s disciplined professionalism and its strategic role in protecting vital transport infrastructure.
Ernisstigting - Voortrekkermonument
SA Spoorwegpolisie: Inligtingsborde
The five information panels on the South African Railway Police were designed as a permanent educational exhibition for the Pro Patria Museum, Fort Schanskop. Each panel presents a concise historical overview of a specific aspect of the former SA Railway Police — including the Training College at Esselen Park, the successive Heads of the Service, Border Duty operations, the Special Task Force, and the Non‑White Training Programme. The content is visually supported by photographs, documents, and archival material that illuminate the development, functions, and unique culture of the Service. The proposal to make these panels digitally accessible aims to broaden public reach, enabling individuals who cannot visit the Museum in person to engage with the material and learn about the heritage of the SA Railway Police through your communication platform, The Nongqai. This digital extension will further promote the preservation, study, and appreciation of the Railway Police’s history.
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.
RAILWAYS IN WAR
Stormtroepe SASP-STM
This article from Die Lourierkrans (December 1984) highlights the professionalism and elite training of the South African Railway Police Special Task Force. It describes their dual role in counter‑insurgency operations along the national borders and in protecting the country’s extensive transport infrastructure—railways, ports, airports, and public vehicles. The narrative emphasizes their rigorous preparation under Major Ronnie Beyl at Slagboom near Port Elizabeth, where live ammunition and explosives were used to simulate real combat conditions. The piece portrays the unit as a disciplined, fearless brotherhood, praised internationally for its expertise in hostage rescue and anti‑terrorist missions, under the leadership of Brigadier Gustav Erlank.
Durban
Lekker gesels: Spoorwegpolisie Spesiale Taakmag en Nasionale Intelligensiediens
This article reflects on a recent conversation with former members of the South African Railway Police Special Task Force and explores their lesser‑known connections with the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Through personal recollections, operational insights, and historical context, the narrative highlights the unique capabilities of the Railway Police, the covert contributions of NIS operatives, and the importance of compartmentalisation within intelligence structures. The article also revisits significant historical intelligence figures and underscores the ongoing need to document South Africa’s covert security history. Nongqai continues to serve as a platform dedicated to preserving national security heritage with accuracy, balance, and respect for the past.