Natal Colony: Pionier African (Zulu) Policemen
Abstract (English)
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.
Afrikaanse Opsomming
Hierdie foto-artikel ondersoek die rol van die swart pionier-polisielede in die Durban Gemeente Politie, die Pietermaritzburg Gemeente Politie en die Natal Mounted Police. Baie van hulle was sterk Zoeloe-krygers wat, ten spyte van beperkte opleiding, uitstekende polisiemanne geword het. Hulle het dronkaards, diewe en sakkerollers gearresteer en ’n voorbeeld van eerlikheid, lojaliteit en dissipline gestel wat tot vandag toe nog navolgingswaardig is. Met eenvoudige uniforms, soms kaalvoet, en ’n bronsplaat op die regterarm as “aanstellingsertifikaat’, het hulle die gees van die Zoeloe-kryger en die plig van die koloniale polisieman verenig.
NATAL COLONY: PIONIER AFRICAN (ZULU) POLICEMEN
Brig HB Heymans
Article (English)
The Black pioneer policemen of Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and the Natal Mounted Police were among the earliest African recruits into municipal and colonial policing. Many were drawn from the ranks of Zulu warriors—fine physical men whose strength and discipline were quickly recognized. Despite limited training, they became excellent policemen, guided by a clear sense of right and wrong. They patrolled the streets, arrested drunks, thieves, and pickpockets, and earned reputations for honesty and loyalty.
Their discipline and determination were legendary: some operated barefoot, clad only in basic uniforms, with their “appointment certificate” displayed on a brass plate fastened to the right upper arm. In this way, they embodied both the martial traditions of the Zulu warrior and the emerging civic duty of the colonial policeman.
This photo-article presents their story not only in words but also through rare images that capture their presence and example for today’s police.
Below the Durban Borough Police badge (left) and right the Pietermaritzburg Borough Police badge.
1989 The Zululand Native Police (Nongqai) at Fort Nongqai: Inspector Charles Evelyn Fairlie, Natal Police, commanding. Note the band and men are armed.
In front of the Royal Hotel, Durban circa 1900
Bobbies on the beat
A Sergeant
Durban Water Police
Durban Borough Police
Johannesburg
Enjoying refreshments
Durban: Policeman and Ricksha-driver with two soldier passengers
Durban Borough Police
Pietermaritzburg Borough Police
We salute all these old Policemen for their duty, discipline and dedication – thanks for keeping society safe and for their service and protection of the public.
Thanks to Richard van Wyk, Jennifer Bosch & D Newcombe.
Suggested References
- Natal Mounted Police – Wikipedia (overview of formation and service).
- Anglo-Boer War.com: Natal Police Unit Information.
- WISER Seminar Paper (2013): Anonymity and the Zulu Policeman.
- Heymans, H. & Newcombe, D. Guardians of a Growing City: The Durban Borough Police (Nongqai Photo-Essay).
