Nongqai — Police & Defence History Magazine

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1939 - 1945: The Wartime SA Police

Capt Jan Taillard (SA Police)

Captain Johannes “Jan” Taillard (1904–1987) was one of South Africa’s most effective and least known undercover policemen. Fluent in German and trusted across social divides, he played a decisive role in dismantling the Nazi Party in South West Africa in 1939, stealing the complete membership index and enabling the arrest of 2 284 members. In 1941 he infiltrated anti government networks in the Brits district, gained the confidence of Abwehr agent Robey Leibbrandt, and led him into a police ambush — an operation that prevented a planned assassination of Prime Minister Jan Smuts. Taillard’s long police career included senior command posts in Queenstown, Umtata, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, where he managed political unrest, labour strikes, and major security operations. Despite his contributions, his pension was severely affected by a break in service during undercover work, and his later life was marked by hardship. He died in 1987 without honours or police representation at his funeral. His story remains one of the most remarkable — and overlooked — chapters in South African policing history.

Contemporary Police History / Eietydse Polisiegeskiedenis

Cristina Swart

Cristina Swart’s career in the South African Police Service reflects a pioneering spirit, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the first Portuguese policewoman in the SAP, she progressed from police college in 1989 to specialised operational work in the Security Branch and later the Endangered Species Protection Unit (ESPU). Serving as Section Commander of the Fauna Team, she conducted high risk undercover operations, buy bust interventions, and investigations into ivory, rhino horn, abalone, and radioactive material syndicates. Her work brought her into international conservation circles, including engagements with the Discovery Channel and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. After transferring to East London in 1998, she became second in command of the Undercover Unit and later acted as commander before the unit’s closure. She subsequently joined Crime Intelligence, overseeing handlers, informers, and Secret Services Accounts. Swart resigned in 2014 with the rank of Captain, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to combating organised crime and protecting South Africa’s natural heritage.

Crime Intelligence

Cristina

Cristina Swart’s career in the South African Police Service reflects a pioneering spirit, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the first Portuguese policewoman in the SAP, she progressed from police college in 1989 to specialised operational work in the Security Branch and later the Endangered Species Protection Unit (ESPU). Serving as Section Commander of the Fauna Team, she conducted high‑risk undercover operations, buy‑bust interventions, and investigations into ivory, rhino horn, abalone, and radioactive‑material syndicates. Her work brought her into international conservation circles, including engagements with the Discovery Channel and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. After transferring to East London in 1998, she became second‑in‑command of the Undercover Unit and later acted as commander before the unit’s closure. She subsequently joined Crime Intelligence, overseeing handlers, informers, and Secret Services Accounts. Swart resigned in 2014 with the rank of Captain, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to combating organised crime and protecting South Africa’s natural heritage.