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.