Nongqai Vol 17 No 10 – (54) National Intelligence and the Ultra-Covert Faceless Few
National Intelligence and the Ultra-Covert Faceless Few
HB Heymans (SAP Ret)
As a student of intelligence and intelligence history, I was fortunate to encounter both Dr Tony Turton and Mr Johan Lotriet (OOB) during my research journey. As an editor of Nongqai, a former member of the Security Branch, and having also served in the covert Intelligence Section of the Security Branch, I immediately appreciated the significance of the work of the ultra-covert faceless few and the extraordinary level of secrecy surrounding it.
I soon discovered that their activities were so highly classified that even members of the “normal” covert structures within the National Intelligence Service (NIS) questioned the authenticity of my previous article. Consequently, I was requested to withdraw the article in question.
Readers may also wish to view the related YouTube video – see the end of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_116AcFlssM
I declined to withdraw the article with ref: https://www.nongqai.org/nongqai-vol-17-no-10f-national-intelligence-service-covert-collection/
Through verification, I established that Section K-44 did indeed exist. I have personally seen correspondence issued on plain paper, without formal NIS letterheads, which was entirely consistent with the practices of highly sensitive covert structures.
Some have alleged that a particular letter in my possession is a forgery. I reject that assertion. Having been seconded to National Intelligence as a member of the Sekretariate State Security Services Council (SSSC), I became familiar with the signature of Dr L.D. Barnard. Furthermore, the document was obtained from a source beyond reproach and of unquestionable integrity.
At the insistence of several knowledgeable former officials, I also undertook to verify that the badge of the covert section was in fact officially registered with the South African Bureau of Heraldry. The available evidence confirmed this to be the case.
One correspondent recently asked:
“Brigadier, could you please ask Mr Lotriet to make available a photograph of the occasion on which he received the Leyds Medal?”
In response, and to avoid casting doubt on the credibility of my sources, I am publishing a photograph showing Mr Johan Lotriet, a senior intelligence officer, receiving the prestigious Leyds Decoration.
This was taken on 6 November 1992 in the Leyds Auditorium. From left to right: Pierre Fourie, Mike Louw, Hester Buitendag, and me on the far right.
Ab Obscuro in Apertum
(From the Obscure into the Open)
The history of South Africa’s intelligence services contains many untold stories. Some remain concealed behind layers of secrecy, while others are gradually emerging into the public domain. The experiences of men such as Johan Lotriet and Tony Turton remind us that, in the world of intelligence, some of the most significant contributions are made by individuals whose names seldom appear in official histories.
The CDCO was, quite literally, one of the Faceless Few.
To establish a distinct identity for the Chief Directorate Covert Operations (CDCO), a small team was assembled under the leadership of Mike Kuhn. Dr Turton was privileged to serve on that team. Their task was to develop an emblem for internal use within the CDCO, primarily for Certificates of Commendation, commendation awards, and other organisational purposes.
The central motif incorporated the peacock feather from the official NIS insignia, complemented by three diamonds symbolising Directorates K2, K3 and K4. The design reflected both continuity with the broader National Intelligence Service and the unique mission of the covert structures.
Mr Fred Brownell, the State Herald.
During the development phase, formal consultation took place with Mr Fred Brownell, the State Herald. He provided expert guidance on heraldic matters, and the emblem was subsequently registered within the classified records of the Bureau of Heraldry.
Thereafter, the emblem appeared on various official internal awards and commendations. Dr Turton attaches copies of the Director-General’s award presented to Dr Turton bearing this insignia.
In 1995, following the restructuring of the National Intelligence Service into the South African Secret Service (SASS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Dr Turton was once again tasked with liaising with Mr Fred Brownell. This time, the assignment involved developing a new insignia for the Chief Directorate Covert Collection.
The resulting design featured a chameleon superimposed upon a key, a fitting representation of adaptability, discretion and access. Like its predecessor, this emblem was formally registered through the Office of the State Herald.
Both emblems created for the covert intelligence environment retained the Latin motto:
Ab Obscuro in Apertum
“From the Obscure into the Open.”
The phrase aptly captured the paradox of intelligence work: operating in secrecy, often without recognition, while ultimately serving the national interest by bringing hidden truths into the light. (See accompanying photographs.)
Top left the crest of NIS and bottom right is the crest (badge) in question on an official certificate signed by Dr LD Barnard.
Both crests (badges) are reproduced as requested.
Dr Turton invited to a function – see the crest and his nom de geurre
The two different NIS devices – crests – used by NIS.
In the early days of the CDCO, several complex issues were being managed. Given the speed with which the CDCO had to be created, and the fact that it was completely isolated from the rest of NIS, there was no culture or identity.
Statue: Bittereinder Boer en sy Roer
Dr Turton has also provided a photograph of the statuette awarded to Dr Tony Turton, which he received under his nom de guerre in recognition of his contributions.
Remember, the CDCO consisted of highly skilled operational members who almost always felt isolated. Morale was a constant issue. Therefore, a bronze statue was commissioned depicting the Bittereinder Boer en sy Roer. A number of statues were cast but only eight were ever issued as the Chief Directorate Award. These are now highly sought after collectibles.
Note Dr Turton’s nom de geure
A nostalgic photo provided by Mr Lotriet of one of my dubious friends in a foreign country. Listen to the last part of the video.
Comments by former Director Lotriet
You may convey, with due compliments, that the research and documentation presented to Nongqai are fully completed and entirely up to date. Nothing that has been submitted is fraudulent or misleading; on the contrary, it has been thoroughly researched and can be substantiated with evidence and supporting documentation.
Comments by Hennie Heymans
It has been an exceptional privilege to come into contact with highly skilled covert intelligence operatives. I was officially acquainted with some of their clients, and the experience has been both fascinating and enlightening. These men are professionals who can hold their own anywhere in the world.
I regret that, at the insistence of certain former members of National Intelligence, I was compelled to bring these matters into the open. Nevertheless, I believe that transparency and the accurate recording of history are important, and I have therefore endeavoured to present the facts as objectively and responsibly as possible.
