Some Police Uniforms & Ranks – Nongqai Vol 17 No 6A

FOREWORD

Col Logan Govender

My sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Editor-in-Chief, Brigadier Hennie Heymans, on this comprehensive and insightful research. Your dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence are clearly reflected in this outstanding work.

The history of policing in South Africa reflects the country’s wider social and political history. Although uniforms, ranks, badges and insignia may seem like small details, they reveal how policing developed and how people were treated during different periods.

Some Police Uniforms and Ranks – Work in Progress provides a valuable record of police organisations from the late nineteenth to the late twentieth century. Through photographs, illustrations and historical notes, it traces the development of the Natal Police, the South African Police and related organisations. The collection shows how uniforms, equipment, rank insignia and training evolved over time, often influenced by military traditions.

An important theme in this history is South Africa’s racial divisions. White, African and Indian policemen all played significant roles in maintaining law and order, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. However, they did not serve on equal terms. Government policies and discriminatory laws created unequal opportunities, affecting promotion, responsibilities, conditions of service and career advancement.

The records in this publication show that separate rank structures often existed for different racial groups. African and Indian policemen frequently served within systems that limited their authority and restricted their opportunities for promotion, regardless of their ability or experience. Uniforms and insignia also reflected these inequalities, clearly identifying different groups and reinforcing divisions created by law and policy.

Studying this history does not mean approving of past discrimination. Instead, it helps us understand how inequality became part of institutions and how those institutions changed over time. It also recognises the dedication of many policemen who served their communities despite significant barriers and restrictions.

Beyond the uniforms and ranks are the personal stories of those who served. Their experiences remind us that policing history is about people as much as organisations and regulations.

As a work in progress, this publication encourages further research and discussion. Readers, researchers, collectors and former police members are invited to contribute additional information, photographs and records to help build a more complete picture of South Africa’s policing heritage.

This work preserves important information about uniforms, ranks, traditions and institutions while acknowledging the realities of racial inequality that shaped policing for much of South Africa’s history. By examining the past honestly, we can better understand how policing evolved and how the pursuit of equality gradually transformed police organisations.

It is hoped that this publication will encourage greater appreciation of policing history, inspire further research, and help preserve the memories of those who served. In doing so, it honours the individuals whose experiences formed an important part of South Africa’s complex and challenging past.

Logan Govender

SOME POLICE UNIFORMS AND RANKS

WORK IN PROGRESS

Hennie Heymans

Introduction

CULTURE, HERALDRY, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNIFORMS, RANK INSIGNIA, AND EQUIPMENT

Culture, education, and heraldry play a decisive role in shaping weapons, uniforms, medals, and rank systems. The way a community thinks, worships, works, and survives ultimately determines how its soldiers and policemen present themselves. Culture — including education, religion, climate, and available materials — influences everything from clothing to equipment.

A society that traditionally walks barefoot attaches no symbolic value to shoes; therefore, many Indian and indigenous people served barefoot without any sense of shame. Other cultures developed distinctive items of dress, such as the Indian turban or pagri, which could indicate rank, regiment, region, or religious identity.

Heraldry also teaches that certain items of dress or equipment are not merely functional — they are symbols of authority. Throughout military and police history, specific objects have been deliberately worn or carried to visibly confer status, command and legitimacy on the bearer. The Sam Browne belt, for example, became an international emblem of commissioned rank and leadership; the officer’s cane or staff signified discipline, authority, and the right to command; and ceremonial swords, sashes, crowns, and badges communicated hierarchy at a glance.

New South African coat of Arms

A 19th‑century frontier scene by T Baines illustrating everyday life in southern Africa. Although the environment was African, the uniforms, rank insignia, and heraldic systems that later developed in South Africa were imported from Europe, particularly from Britain.”

In this way, uniforms and accessories become a visual language of power. They tell subordinates who leads, they reassure the public of lawful authority, and they reflect centuries of cultural tradition. What a soldier or policeman wears is therefore never accidental — it is a carefully shaped expression of identity, heritage, and command.

• Heraldry: The Visual Language of Authority

Heraldry is the systematic art of symbols — a visual language developed over centuries to express identity, authority, honour, and tradition. In military and police contexts, heraldry forms the foundation of:

• coats of arms and badges,
• regimental colours and standards,
• rank insignia,
• uniform embellishments,
• medals and ribbon colours,
• insignia on belt plates, buttons, helmets, and cap badges.

Heraldic elements are never accidental. Every colour, animal, crown, star, anchor, or motto carries a specific meaning and historical lineage. A hunting horn traditionally denotes light cavalry or mounted infantry; a crown signifies sovereignty or royal patronage; an anchor represents maritime service; and symbols such as the springbok or protea express South African identity. Heraldry therefore acts as a visual code, instantly communicating allegiance, function, and hierarchy.

• The Cape, the Dutch, and the British

The Cape was initially under Dutch control, and early colonial forces reflected Dutch-European traditions of dress and insignia. After 1806, when the Cape permanently came under British rule, British military culture — with its strict rank structures, red tunics, spiked helmets, Sam Browne belts, and parade etiquette — profoundly shaped the uniforms and insignia used throughout South Africa.

• The Union and the Gradual Break from British Symbolism

With the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, British traditions continued to dominate. English‑speaking officers and detectives — largely British in training and outlook — held command positions within the police. From 1957, however, fifty‑five years after the Peace of Vereeniging, the Union government, driven by rising Afrikaner nationalism, began deliberately distancing itself from British symbols, flags, and emblems. Yet certain British elements — such as the Sam Browne belt, the officer’s cane, parade customs, and rank structures — were retained because they had become deeply embedded in South Africa’s military and police culture.

• The Republic and the Democratic Era

In 1961, South Africa became an Afrikaner‑led republic and withdrew from the British Commonwealth. After the democratic transition in 1995, the country adopted a new set of national symbols, coats of arms, uniforms, and rank systems, many of which drew on long‑standing South African traditions while retaining the familiar styles of the former SAP and SADF. Nevertheless, the influence of Roman‑Dutch and British traditions remains clearly visible in our legal system, uniforms, insignia, and heraldic practices. South Africa’s military and police heraldry is therefore a distinctive blend of European heritage, local adaptation, and African identity — a visual language shaped over more than three centuries.

1652 VAN RIEBEECK LANDS AT THE CAPE

South Africa’s recorded policing history begins with the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in 1652, when written accounts such as his diary appear alongside the longstanding oral traditions of the indigenous peoples.

The Night Watch: Amsterdam – this is where it all began…

By Rembrandt – https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/SK-C-5, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79710878

After the British took control of the Cape in 1806, they initially retained much of the existing Dutch‑based police and legal system. Modern policing in Britain itself was only formally established in 1829, when Sir Robert Peel articulated his famous principle that ‘the police are the public, and the public are the police.’ Over time, British administrative, legal, and policing culture spread southward across the Atlantic world. Following the Anglo‑Boer War, all police forces in the South African colonies were reorganised along distinctly British lines, adopting British structures, training methods, and institutional culture.

The Rattle Watch

The Rattle

The Wardmaster

The Cape Burger Watch

The Cape Burger Watch

Pre-1806 – Police Assistants

1806 BRITSH INFLUENCE ON POLICING

The British influence came from the London Metropolitan Police in Scotland Yard.

1806 Cape Regt – a semi-military police force with top hats

Cape Mounted Rifles

The Cape Mounted Rifles also performed police work

1839: Police from Wale Street, Cape Town

Police Station / Politie Kantoor – Wale Street, Cape Town

1840: Night watch

1855: The Frontier Armed and Mounted Police

Here the first Victoria Cross in South Africa was won by Maj Hans G Moore of the FAMP. The ribbon was worn on the left chest.

1894 – 1913 Natal Police (formerly Natal Mounted Police 1874 – 1894)

 

Fort Nongqai near Eshowe

Note the so-called barefooted Zulu Runner. (Acknowledgement: Servamus).

1896: Umzinto, Natal Police

1896 Natal Police at Umzinto. Note the various uniforms: Forage caps, Pil boxes, Turbans and brass brassards on left elbow. Note white shorts.

INDIAN CULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA

The first Indian indentured labourers arrived in Natal on 16 November 1860, when the ship SS Truro anchored in Durban (then Port Natal). They had been recruited primarily to work on the rapidly expanding sugar‑cane plantations of Natal. Over time, many also joined the colonial police, railways, municipal services, and various skilled trades, bringing with them their own cultural traditions, languages, dress, and customs — many of which have become woven into everyday South African life.

• Key Facts
• Date of first landing: 16 November 1860
• First ship: Truro from Madras
• Second ship: Belvedere from Calcutta, arriving 26 November 1860
• Purpose: Indentured labour for sugar, wattle, and tea plantations, and later coal mines
• Numbers: Approximately 152,184 Indians arrived under the indenture system between 1860 and 1911
• Composition of the first group: 197 men, 89 women, and 59 children (figures vary slightly by source)
• Why They Came

The Natal sugar industry was expanding rapidly, but local African communities refused to work for the extremely low wages offered by plantation owners. As a result, the colonial authorities turned to India for indentured labourers. These workers signed contracts — usually for five years — in exchange for wages, rations, accommodation, and the option of a return passage to India. Many, however, chose to remain in South Africa and establish permanent communities.

• Legacy

Those who stayed became the foundation of today’s large and vibrant Indian community in KwaZulu‑Natal. Durban now has the largest Indian population outside India, and Indian culture has profoundly enriched South African society.

Their influence is also visible in our police and military heritage. Indian recruits brought with them distinctive traditions of dress and discipline. As a result of their cultural background, they often wore uniforms and headdress that differed from those of Europeans and indigenous Africans. This included:

• khaki uniforms, first widely adopted in India before spreading across the British Empire,
• the puggaree (cloth band wrapped around the helmet),
• various forms of turban or pagri,
• and other stylistic elements reflecting regional, religious, or regimental identity.

These contributions helped shape the visual and cultural character of early South African policing, railways, and municipal services, leaving a legacy still recognisable today.

Group of Indian indentured labourers, Umzinto, Natal, 1888. Note the young Zulu boy among them. Some labourers wear shoes while others are barefoot, reflecting differing cultural practices. Also observe the distinctive headdress worn by the Indian gentlemen. (Note headdress of Indian policemen in previous photo).

Indian Farmer

Cutting sugarcane

Indian waiters at the illustrious Royal Hotel, Durban. Note the distinctive headdress worn as part of their traditional attire.

Indian waiters on the NGR

Police in Tribal Area

Zulu Police in Tribal Area.

Tribal Life

Zulu chief.

Young Zulu Girls.

Grinding Corn

Transkei

Kokstad area sledge 1900-1910. Life was slow.

Rickshas

Barefoot ricksha “boys” in front of the Royal Hotel, Durban. Their traditional attire and lack of footwear reflect the cultural and economic realities of the period.

TRANSVAAL: ZUID-AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK (ZAR)

ZARP

1896: Adjudant Maraba: ZARP (Transvaal)

Adjudant Maraba of the ZARP (1896), serving under the old Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek (Transvaal), is the only African policeman I have encountered in my research who wore the same full uniform — including shoes — as his Boer colleagues. Note the four chevrons on his right sleeve denoting his rank of “adjudant”.

ZARP Detectives of the Gold Branch.

ORANJE VRIJSTAAT RIJDENDE DIENST MACHT (OVSRDM)

OVSRDM at Bethlehem with Sgt Hartman. In the back row, left, stands Trooper J. Fourie — the man who successfully investigated the murder of my great‑grandfather, Burger J.F. Heymans.

A Forage cap of the OVSRDM

POLICING NATAL

1898: Fort Nongqai

1898: The Nongqai at Fort Nongqai – Eshowe. All are barefoot while some are armed. The Officer commanding of this disciplined squad was Inspector CE Fairlie.

1900 (circa) Natal Police

Natal Police circa 1900 – all dressed in black trousers but with Pill Boxes and Forage caps.

Natal Police circa 1900

Natal Police circa 1900. (Some Zulu policemen in the SA Police also carried knobkieries and assegais up to the late 1960’s.)

Ladysmith, Natal Police circa 1900

Circa 1900: Native Police at Ladysmith with traditional weapons.

1900 – King’s African Rifles

By way of comparison: An armed barefoot soldier of the KAR. The regiment was formally created on 1 January 1902 by amalgamating several earlier British colonial units in East Africa, including:

• The Central Africa Regiment
• The Uganda Rifles
• The East Africa Rifles

The King’s African Rifles (KAR) was a multi‑battalion colonial regiment of the British Army that operated across East Africa. Its units were raised and deployed in Kenya, Uganda, Nyasaland (today Malawi), British Somaliland, and Tanganyika (modern Tanzania). The KAR served with distinction in both World Wars and played a central role in Britain’s military presence in the region.

1903 (circa) Fort Nongqai

Circa 1903 men on parade at Fort Nongqai

Armed Constable at Fort Nongqai.

1904: Natal Police: Port Shepstone

1904 Natal Police at Port Shepstone, note the headdress of the Indian- and Zulu members. In the tradition of the mounted police the chevrons are on the right arm only.

1905 Water Police: Durban

1909: Natal Police: Malvern (Durban)

1909 Natal Police at Malvern in Blue and Khaki – whites dressed in khaki with khaki helmets, the Indian- and Zulu policemen wear different headdress, but all are dressed in blue. Brass brassards on left elbow.

CHINESE POLICE UNIFORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Chinese police policed the Chinese mineworkers on the Reef

Note different headdress in both photos

1910: Zulus as Soldiers

Holt writes in his book: The Mounted Police of Natal: “Not long after this the contingent of Natal Police returned to Pietermaritzburg, and the conclusion of the year saw the final disbandment of the Zululand Police. Much has been written and said on the debated point as to whether Zulus should be allowed to constitute a trained and armed force, some people pointing out instances where similar bodies have proved a very formidable foe to those who trained them. The opinion of the European officers who had charge of the Zululand Police should have considerable weight. Inspector Fairlie assured the writer that he always trusted the Zululand Police and felt he could depend on them.

“I should like to lay stress on the moral influence the Zululand Police had on the rest of the natives during the rebellion of ’06^[1],” he added. “Many more Zulus would undoubtedly have fought with the rebels had it not been for our trained force of natives.”

Col G Mansel

Commandant Mansel speaks very highly of them and bears full testimony to their value as soldiers. Their instincts are wholly military, he declares, and a Zulu recruit is a ready-made soldier. All that is necessary is to teach him to handle a rifle, and this can be done in three or four months. He is then as good a soldier as ever he will become. He is easily managed, good tempered, understands discipline by instinct, is docile and plucky, and is proud of himself and his corps. The Zulu soldier is kindly disposed towards his officers, is full of metal, and is capable of enduring the extremes of marching and hunger.

“The trained Zulu,” says Mr. Mansel, “works splendidly with white men in the field, though I think they should be kept entirely apart in quarters. The Imperial troops and the Zululand Police got on wonderfully well during the operations in Zululand and were always the best of friends. “I always had the feeling that with 500 Natal Police and 1000 Zulus, one could go anywhere and do anything; and I think that everyone in the Natal Police shares that opinion.

“It is a noteworthy fact that though the Zululand Police were often fighting against their own kith and kin, not a single case of treachery or breach of faith ever occurred.” (p 341).

Comments by Brig H.B. Heymans

I worked with many Zulu policemen who were illiterate, yet they taught me a great deal about real police work. Although they could not read or write, many were exceptionally clever, perceptive, dedicated, disciplined, and determined. They knew the “tricks of the trade,” understood people, and knew our patrol areas intimately — and they shared that knowledge generously.

Some were unable to write up their pocketbooks, and the Section Sergeant had to complete them on their behalf. Their official signature was often their right‑hand thumbprint. Despite these limitations, they served with pride and competence, and I remain grateful for the lessons they taught me.

Uniform: The Water Police Durban

Uniforms: Water Police (SAP)

TRAPPED IN THE BUSH HP Holt (Nongqai)

1912: Sergeant Ndhlovu, Natal Police

From The Nongqai (p 973)

(Photograph caption: “Native Sergeant Ndhlovu.”)

1910: UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA

By Union of South Africa – This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69519847

1913: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE (1 April 1913)

Note English at the top and Afrikaans at the bottom, but things soon changed.

Belt buckle in brown leather for non-whites policemen (AI-art)

Colonel: SA Police

The first Commissioner of the SA Police was Col Sir Theodore G Truter

Col Truter’s Uniform – photo by Hennie Heymans

The “Bath Star” by Steve Seargent

Good evening, Hennie

Apologies for the delay Kaptein Dringend🤣

As discussed, this afternoon the South African Police used military style ranks following the British army rank insignia from its formation in 1913 until the insignia was changed in 1957 when all vestiges of the British Influence were removed from uniform insignia.

The Crown is self-explanatory. The so-called “Pip” is officially the “Bath Star” is a stylised rendition of the breast star of the Military Division of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of The Bath.

The Police wore this in both plain brass and the enamel versions and I am told in WWII some Police Motorcyclists who were attached to the UDF armour units wore them in Bronze, but I have not seen definitive photos to support this, nor the blacked brass cap badges for these men.

The three crowns represent the union of the Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland with the motto Trio Juncta In Uno.

This is a picture of the Bath star upon which it is modelled taken from Wikipedia

Picture licence under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Steve Seargent^[2]

Lance Corporals and Corporals

This rank was instituted during 1913 and was abolished during 1946.

1913: Corporals and Lance Sergeants

One source declared: “Mounted police posts were commanded by corporals when no mounted sergeant was available. Foot stations without a mounted section were placed under the charge of a lance sergeant if no other sergeant could be assigned. The tradition originated in the Corporal of the Horse and Lance Sergeant came from the Guards.

1917: Fordsburg, Johannesburg

Corporal in the Foot Police — back row, second from the right. Foot sergeants wore chevrons on both sleeves, while head‑constables displayed a crown on both lower sleeves. Sergeants in the Mounted Police wore their chevrons only on the right sleeve above the elbow. A PCC was a Private Clothes Constable.

1918

1918: Lance Corporal IB Maartens from the Mounted Police Middlewater.

1918: Corporal Boyle from the Mounted Police.

The Constable who was “no 1” in the SAP.

Trade and Qualification badges

Farrier

A Saddler in the SA Police

 Above for White (top) & non-white (bottom)

By way of comparison, the qualification/trade badges of the BSACo Police:

British South Africa Company Police trade badges, 1890. (Col Dudley Wall)^[3]

UNIFORMS OF THE 1920’S

1921: SAP Band

1923

Above and below: 1923 the various police uniforms; helmets and smasher hats!

1924

1924: A Policeman on the left.

1925: Zulu Kraal: Tribal Life

1928: UNION FLAG

The flag of South Africa from 1928 to 1994 was the flag of the Union of South Africa from 1928 to 1961 and later the flag of the Republic of South Africa until 1994. It was also the flag for South West Africa (now Namibia) under the former’s administration (from 1915 to 1990). Based on the Dutch Prince’s Flag, it contained the flag of the United Kingdom, the flag of the Orange Free State, and the flag of the South African Republic (respectively) in the centre. A nickname for the flag was Oranje, Blanje, Blou (Afrikaans slang for: “orange, white, blue”).^[4]

By Parliament of South Africa (Vector graphics image by Denelson83) – Vectorialized from description found in Southern African Vexillological Association. Flag specification sheets: South Africa national flag 1928-1994, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=569034

1928 Col IP de Villiers (2^nd Commissioner)

Normal working dress

Ceremonial Uniform 1937

1938: In Dress Suit taken the salute. The wearing of a cap with dress suit was optional.

Knight of the Order of St John – Photo: Hennie Heymans

The 1930’s

A Constable of Indian descent with a different type of cap.

(In the 1950’s my father wore a blue/black uniform with chain and whistle – as in the photo above)

Various races in various uniforms, mounted & foot police, and barefoot policeman with puttees. The man sitting on the right could be a corporal of the SA Mounted Rifles.

Various types of headdress are visible: black caps with khaki covers, helmets, smasher hats, kepis, and pillboxes. All the Zulu men carry assegais, while the white members are unarmed. Note also the member wearing four service chevrons.

Police Commissioned Officers in full dress.

1938: Foot and Mounted Police and various races in various uniforms

1938: Blue uniforms with smasher hats for Constables while officers in Khaki mounted uniform. No mention was made where they were trained at Wynberg.

Pilot Wings

Maj Palmer with WW1- wings before the outbreak of the second world war

New Uniform: Open neck frock

Various uniforms at the SA Police Training Depot.

1937: Bandmaster

1939: Uniforms

1939: Southwest Africa

People still live in tribal fashion

1939 (circa) Officers

(Photo via Friedel Hansen)

1939: Police on Patrol

Maj-Gen RJ “Bobbie” Palmer

Blue & Khaki: Gen Palmer and Head-Const LG “Vingers” Snyman former Sgt-Maj of 1SAP his rank is on right sleeve. Foot Constables in blue behind the Head-Const.

1945: Corporals

Foot and Mounted Corporals

Foot and Mounted Corporals.

1945: Non-European Training Depot: Auckland Park

1945 – Auckland Park (Nongqai, October 1945)

All members are dressed in khaki. Notably, we see Corporals and Sergeants among the non‑white African staff, reflecting the gradual expansion of rank opportunities during this period.

• Comment by Brig H.B. Heymans

As far as I have been able to establish, the formal training of non‑white members only gained real momentum after the Second World War. In my opinion, non‑white members were initially regarded as auxiliary policemen, performing duties such as foot beats, acting as convict guards, serving as charge‑office reserves, van‑crew assistants, interpreters, guides, trackers, and undertaking general guard duties.

It was only after the war that African detectives began carrying their own case dockets. Former Detective Constable Russell Gwala (SAP Wentworth) told me that he was the first Zulu detective permitted to carry his own dockets. Before this change, all case dockets were handled exclusively by white detectives. Non‑white detectives were used mainly as “runners” — responsible for summoning non‑white witnesses to the station. The white detectives then took the statements and compiled the docket themselves.

This gradual shift marked the beginning of a slow but important transformation in the role, responsibility, and recognition of African members within the South African Police.

1945: Uniform Officers & Head Constables

1945: Pretoria NCO’s – Corporals and Lance Sergeants during August 1945. They appear to be from the “mounted” section of the police but wear their ranks on both sleeves like the foot police.

Their belts had the following buckles.

1946 to 1960: Lance Sergeant, Second Class Sergeant and First Class Sergeant

“The various sergeant ranks of the Foot and Mounted Police respectively from 1946 to 1960, when the two sergeant grades were amalgamated. Among white members of the Police, only the ranks of Lance Sergeant and Sergeant (bearing the castle insignia) were in use.

Foot Police: Lance Sergeant, Second Class Sergeant and First Class Sergeant. Ranks on both arms.

Lance Sergeant, Second Class Sergeant and First Class Sergeant

1960, from 1946: Lance Sergeant, Second Class Sergeant and First Class Sergeant

Lance Sergeant, Second Class Sergeant and First Class Sergeant

Service Stripes – Diensstrepe

Issued to Constables for 3,5,7, and 9 years of faithful service and XSAP Good Service Medal at 18 years of unblemished service

1946: Uniform: Whites and Non-whites

1946 SAP Depot

1947

1947: Khaki Uniform – brown boots and brown leather belt.

Circa 1947 – Khaki uniform with shorts, helmet and smasher hat.

1947: Training: Name Change

The South African Police Depot changed to South African Police College. Emphasis now after the war is on academic training. Things change slowly and non-white training establishments are founded.

1947: Uniforms non-Europeans: From smasher hats to helmets

The smasher hat is replaced by a brown/khaki helmet.

1947: The King decorates the Police Commissioner

Dark blue uniform with white cap covers as per dress orders for officers and Head-Constables (W/O)

Commissioner in light khaki uniform

1948 Umtata Training Depot

Sergeant Lucas Majozi, DCM

A South African Hero of El Alamein

Among the many South Africans who distinguished themselves during the Second World War, few stories shine as brightly — or as tragically — as that of Sergeant Lucas Majozi, the only Black South African to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) during the war. His courage at the Battle of El Alamein remains one of the most remarkable acts of bravery in our military history. (Photo: http://www.delvillewood.com/majozibis2.htm]

A Stretcher-Bearer Who Refused to Stop

Lucas Majozi served as a stretcher-bearer in the Native Military Corps (NMC), attached to the 1st/2nd Field Force Battalion. Stretcher-bearers were unarmed, exposed, and among the most vulnerable men on the battlefield. Yet it was in this role — without a weapon in his hands — that Majozi performed deeds worthy of the highest honour.

On the night of 23/24 October 1942, during the opening phase of the Battle of El Alamein, Majozi repeatedly went out under intense enemy fire to rescue wounded men. He continued even after being badly wounded by shrapnel, leading other bearers and refusing to leave the battlefield. He carried wounded soldiers to safety throughout the night, stopping only when he finally collapsed from loss of blood.

Brig-gen (Prof) Deon Fourie summarises it powerfully:

“Although wounded by shrapnel, Cpl Lucas Majozi… carried wounded out of action all night under heavy enemy fire. He only stopped when he fainted from loss of blood.”

His bravery was so clear and so extraordinary that when he was originally recommended for the Military Medal (MM), Brigadier Jack Bester personally crossed out “MM” and replaced it with “DCM” — an immediate award. (Bester also served as head of the Railway Police in later years.)

A Medal Second Only to the Victoria Cross

The Distinguished Conduct Medal was the second-highest award for gallantry available to other ranks in the British Commonwealth — outranked only by the Victoria Cross (VC). In the same war:

• Sgt Quentin Smythe received the VC
• PO Rene Sethren received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)
• Cpl Lucas Majozi received the DCM

These three men represent the pinnacle of South African bravery in WWII.

After the War

After returning home, Majozi continued serving his country. According to Brig-Gen (Prof) Fourie and other sources, he later joined the South African Police, rising to the rank of Sergeant.

Tragically, his life ended when he was struck by a motor vehicle — a quiet end for a man whose wartime courage had been anything but quiet.

A Hero Who Should Never Be Forgotten

His DCM citation remains one of the most inspiring in our history, and his name deserves to stand alongside the greatest South African soldiers of the Second World War.

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

By Medal created and awarded by the British Government in 1854, image created by uploader – Own work (Derivative), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40289708

The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was an extremely high-level military decoration awarded to Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), and other ranks of the British Army and Commonwealth forces. Instituted in 1854 during the Crimean War, it was the second-highest award for gallantry in action (second only to the Victoria Cross) for all ranks below commissioned officers.

SAP Band: Wartime

Still in the 1940’s

Police in Durban – dresses all in black – some with helmets and one with a cap.

1949: Dress: Special Matron

Const Coetzee of the Mounted Police is dressed in blue jacket with mounted helmet. He wears the SAP Good Service Medal. Mrs Coetzee is dressed in an improvised uniform.

Lance Sergeant – slow march during a Police Funeral

Black uniforms. Note the officer’s ‘pips’

The SAP on the Royal Train during the 1947 Roya Visit. 2^nd from the left is (later brig) Buurman van Zyl.

In black uniforms of the Foot Police a Lance Sergeant and a Second‑Class Sergeant— both wearing chevrons on both sleeves, as prescribed for the foot branch.

On Cycle-, Mounted-, and on Foot Patrol.

Head-Constable (W/O)

A white cap cover worn over a black cap by officers and head‑constables, accompanied by the officer’s cane — a mark of authority and distinction.

1950’s

Mounted kit for Inspection

When was the cap worn? Note blankets!

Inspection: Foot Police

When was the cap worn? Note blankets!

Mounted Sergeant

Sergeant Foot Police

Mounted sergeant with black cap with khaki cap cover. Note the many buttons.

Officers

Officer in summer dress

Officer’s cap with no scramble-eggs

1950’s cycle patrol

Colourised by AI – boots should be brown and tie khaki.

1952: Warrant Officers & Officers Ranks

Head-Constable – W/O / hoofkonstabel -adjudant-offisier

(Addressed as Mister Smith or Sir by NCO’s and Constables – in Afrikaans as “Meneer”. It was in the beginning of the 1960’s that he was addressed as “Warrant” or as Adjudant in Afrikaans.)

Sub-Inspector – Lieutenant / Onderinspekteur – Luitenant

Inspector – Captain / Inspekteur – Kaptein

Chief Inspector – Major / Hoofinspekteur – Majoor

Deputy Commissioner – Lieut-Colonel / Adjunk-kommissaris – Luitenant-Kolonel

• Later Assistant Commissioner – Brigadier
• Later Deputy Commissioner – Brigadier
• Later Deputy Commissioner- Major General

1952: SAP Band

Drum-major Sgt Fred Geldenhuis

1952: Wentworth Training Depot

No Corporals in Wentworth at this stage.

1953: SAP Band Master

1954: Uniform at Opening of Parliament

1955 (circa) Blue Uniforms

All dressed in blue

1957: New Modderfontein: Benoni

1957: Non-White Ranks: Three ranks of Sergeant (Crown)

Here we find three ranks of sergeant:

Senior sergeants, 1^st and 2^nd Class sergeants and no corporals.

Senior Sergeant

A Crown with half-laurel wreath in white metal – this one is in brass

A first-class sergeant and a senior-sergeant

First class sergeant (Dr Dennis Delport)

2^nd class sergeant

1957: From Blue to Khaki

1957: Khaki & Blue Uniform

1957: The Castle vs the Crown

Nongqai, March 1957.

1957: SAP Band

Musketry Instructor

1959 New Commissioner in Khaki

Note the embroidered cap badge, the oak leaves on the peak of the cap, and the gorget patches. The new blue and grey uniform came out on 31st of May 1961 when we became a republic.

1960: Uniforms and Ranks

General posts

The posts of Adjutant‑General, Quartermaster‑General and Detective‑General were created, along with the ranks of Assistant Field Cornet, Field Cornet and Commandant. However, this experiment was short‑lived, and the system soon reverted to the familiar commissioned ranks of Lieutenant, Captain and Lieutenant‑Colonel.

Comments by Brig HB Heymans

I believe the post Chaplain-General also existed.

1960: Smasher hat

During 1960 he still wears a smasher hat. Remember members had to purchase their uniforms.

1960’s: Mobile Units Transkei: Boiler suits with Puttees

1960 (Circa) Mounted Officer

1961: 31^ST OF MAY 1961: NEW BLUE AND GREY UNIFORMS FOR WHITES INTRODUCED

Mounted dress

Patrol Dog Handler

The normal SAP Uniform – the safari uniforms came out circa 1965.

1962 SAP Band: Soweto

1962: SAP Band Soweto

1963

A Second‑Class Sergeant wearing the large white‑metal ‘SAP’ shoulder titles.

(Photo: Andrew Dinnes)

White policemen up to the rank of Warrant Officer wore the small brass ‘SAP’ shoulder titles, while non‑white members wore the larger ‘SAP’ titles in white metal on their shoulder straps.

Department of Bantu Administration

Members of the SAP seconded to the Department of Bantu Administration wore a cloth armband inscribed ‘DBA’. They were employed mainly in the Bantu Affairs Commissioners’ Courts.

1963: Head Constable – Warrant Officer / Hoofkonstabel – Adjudant-offisier

The rank Head Constable (not to be confused with a Chief Constable) was changed to Warrant Officer during 1963. The rank was worn on the right sleeve with officer’s cane. The castle was later replaced by the Coats of Arms and was worn on both sleeves with officer’s cane.

1964: SAP College

Yellow band on Cap – with “Kollege” and “College” on the upper shoulder. Grey shirts with loose collars and press studs were issued.

1965: Warrant-Officer in shorts

1964: Uniforms

Numbers were issued in the SAP College.

In 1964 the Commissioner held the rank of Lieutenant-General.

There were two ranks of Brigadier (Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner). This lasted to about 1984 when the rank was consolidated and on par with a SADF Brigadier.

Rank of Chief Sergeant:

Above the elbow a three-bar chevron below a white metal castle mounted in a semi-circular laurel wreath.

Rank of Senior Sergeant:

Castle

Rank of Sergeant:

Star

Rank of Lance Sergeant:

Three chevrons

Constable–Labourer

The lowest rank in the South African Police was that of Constable–Labourer (Konstabel‑Arbeider). This rank was typically held by a non‑White recruit assigned to fatigue duties at a police station — cleaning the camp, washing police vehicles, and performing general maintenance tasks. After a period of service, he would be sent for formal training and, upon successful completion, would pass out as a fully-fledged policeman.

Officers may wear Khaki uniform

1965 (circa) Chest Badge: SA Police Reservists

1966: SAP Training Depot: New Modder

1966: SAP Band: Soweto

1966: Dress Special Matron

1967: Educational Qualifications

1967: Special Grade Chief Sergeant

SARP: 1967-06-61

• 

SARP: 1967-06-63

Special Grade: Chief Sergeant

1967 SAP College

Note the Commissioner’s cap and gorget patches

1967: Summer dress

1967: Special Grade Chief Sergeant

1967: Cost of Uniform & Accoutrements

Various Sergeants Ranks

Lance Sergeant, second class sergeant, first class sergeant, – later only “sergeant” when 1^st & 2^nd class amalgamated – senior sergeant, chief sergeant and special grade chief sergeant

1966: Sergeants at Chatsworth

From left to right:

• Lance Sergeant Lameck;
• Sergeant Kristnasamiand
• Senior Sergeant Gorindsamy
• Chief Sergeant Pillai

1969: Band Cape Town

1970’s RANKS AND UNIFORMS

1970 (circa) British South Africa Police

By way of comparison the ranks of the BSAP as carried by non-whites:

L-R: ‘Sergeant’, summer dress, 1940s-60s; ‘First Sergeant’, summer dress, 1970-80; ‘Senior Sergeant, summer dress, 1970-80; male ‘Patrol Officer’ epaulette rank, 1965-80.

1970: Counter Insurgency (COIN/TIN) Duties

Brig (ds) Venter, chaplain (with parabat wings) handing over gifts to members on Coin Duties – all wear same camouflage uniform on Coin-duties.

1971: Gen Gideon Joubert

“Note the new‑style ‘Aloes’ on the peak of the cap and on the gorget patches. The cap features an embroidered badge on a staff‑blue cap band. Also note the few medals — in the early years commissioned officers did not receive good‑service medals.

1972: Same uniform different colour

1972 Band: Cape Town

1972: Women Police in South Africa

1972 SAP Police Ranks

In 1972 it is noted that non-whites wear small SAP on shoulders straps

1974: Women in the South African Police

1974: Gen TJ Crous

The Commissioner is now wearing the enamel colourised cap badge for senior officers.

Special Task Force & Task Force ceremonial uniform

Special task Force: Uniform of Maj-Gen SJ de Swardt – photos by Hennie Heymans

1978: New Rank titles on blue shoulder covers

Note rank insignia on shoulder straps with white shirt for ceremonial uniform.

1979-1980: All members wear the same uniform

Servamus Jan/Feb 1980 p 25.

Skouerflitse: Die Spesiale Wageenheid – luit-genl RP “Roy” During & oud-A/O Jan van Wyk

Hi Hennie – hierby die geskiedenis van die Spesiale Wageenheid se kenteken. Jan van Wyk het my geskakel en gemeld dat iemand navraag i.d.v. gedoen het. Terloops, alle wageenheidlede het die kenteken op beide skouers gedra. Na ‘n aantal jare se gebruik en nieteenstaande Kompol-goedkeuring en Heraldiek goedkeuring / registrasie, het genl Frikkie Engels – ek dink destyds adjunkkommissaris (Uitvoerend), gelas dat dit onttrek word. Sy rede – daar was te veel identifiserende kentekens in die SAP: Ek het daarteen baklei en sy opdrag is geruime tyd geïgnoreer. [Daar is ‘n storie aan hierdie ongemotiveerde beslissing van die generaal verbonde wat, glo ek, ontstaan het uit gebeure in Radiostasie Durban se dae – 1959-60 – maar liewers daar gelaat!]

Die simboliek, hoofsaaklik : 1.    Arend – simbool van krag, waaksaamheid en beskerming (Die Spesiale Wageenheid)  oor die President, Ministers en ander hoogwaardigheidsbekleders. : 2.    Die vier sentrale panele (dubbele simboliese betekenis)  – (a). die vier provinsies van die Republiek van S.A. – ons beskermings domein, gekoppel met (b). die vier pilare van regering – Die Staat, ons Godsdiens, raadgewing/demokratiese beraadslaging en skatkis/rykdom : 3    Die kruis dwars oor die vier pilare wat die Republiek/ die Staat as ‘n eenheid bind.

Heraldry:

1. An Eagle  (Gold) :Symbol of –  Power, Vigilance and Protection – “the South African Police Special Guard Unit” – symbolising the role of this specially trained police unit in exercising its obligation to ensure the safety and security of the S.A. State President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Provincial Administrators and overseas visiting Heads of State and dignitaries.

2. The four Central Pillars (Blue-White-Blue-White): Have a double meaning, symbolising (a). The (original: 1910 – 1994) four provinces of the Republic of South Africa – Transvaal; Natal; Orange Free State and Cape Province – The Unit’s area of jurisdiction, coupled with (b). the four pillars of government –    Religion; Justice; Counsel and Treasure.

3. The Gold Cross Bars:  Symbol of Unity embracing and protecting the four Provinces of the Republic.

Designed in the late 70’s earl 80’s by Lieut-Col. Roy P. During, Officer Commanding, The SAP Special Guard Unit, assisted by Captain Frans Lubbe – Guard Unit Staff Officer. Approved by the Commissioner of the SAP and approved and registered by Department of Heraldry (SA).   Made of mental 7cm (height) x 6cm (broad) and worn on both shoulders.^[5]

1982: Uniform: Koevoet

1985: Head Musician / Hoofmusikant

1987: Bishop Lavis Band

1987

Servamus 1987 – March.

1987: SAP Wentworth Orchestra

1987: Commissioner in Full Ceremonial Uniform

Decorations and Medals of General P. J. Coetzee, Commissioner of the South African Police (1983–1987)

General Petrus Johann Coetzee, who served as Commissioner of the South African Police from 1983 to 1987, was the recipient of several high‑level decorations in recognition of his leadership, distinguished service, and personal courage. His medal group reflects both his senior command responsibilities and his direct involvement in critical operational events.

• Star of South Africa (SSA)

The SSA is one of the Republic’s highest non‑military orders, awarded for exceptionally meritorious service of national importance. General Coetzee received this honour for his strategic leadership and contribution to national security during a turbulent period in South Africa’s history.

• South African Police Star for Distinguished Leadership (SED)

This decoration was awarded to senior officers who demonstrated outstanding leadership over an extended period. General Coetzee’s tenure as Commissioner, marked by organisational restructuring and operational oversight, earned him this distinction.

• South African Police Star for Distinguished Service (SOO)

The SOO recognised officers who rendered exemplary and distinguished service to the SAP. General Coetzee’s long and varied career, including his earlier years in the Security Branch, qualified him for this award.

• South African Police Star for Outstanding Service (SOE)

General Coetzee received the SOE for his personal role in the Silverton Siege (1980), where he entered the besieged Volkskas Bank unarmed to negotiate with the hostage‑takers. His courage and composure under extreme pressure were widely acknowledged and formally recognised through this decoration.

• Southern Cross Decoration (SD)

The SD was a high‑level state decoration awarded for outstanding service to the Republic. General Coetzee’s receipt of this decoration underscores the national significance of his contributions beyond the police environment alone.

Summary

General PJ Coetzee’s decorations reflect a career characterised by leadership, operational bravery, and national‑level responsibility. His medal group stands as one of the more distinguished among SAP Commissioners of the late 20th century.

1987: Gen Coetzee’s medal group by Charl Steyn

1987 Special Constables

Special Constable: Powder blue uniform

1987: SAP Band

1988: Director of Music: SA Police

Brig Sam Holmes

1989: KOMMENTAAR: SAP LUGWAARDINNE

Herman Bosman

Beste Herman

Kan u kommentaar lewer, asb?

Was dit oor sanksies dat die vlieëniers en lugwaardinne civvies gedra het?

Groete

HBH

Hi Brig. Hennie.

Ja, was as gevolg van sanksies.

Die firma naam wat gebruik was, was Trans Star Promotions.

Sodra ek die foto van die vleuels het en aanstuur sal u ook die sterretjie motief kan sien in die vleuels.

Die vleuels was SA Lugmag ‘mess dress’ vleuels, waarvan die staatswapen vervang was met ligte blou enemmel en as ek reg onthou drie sterretjies.

Sal alles mooi uiteensit sodra ek die foto ontvang het (hopelik kry ek foto vanaand).

Ja kyk ons het daardie jare darem dinge heel goed omseil.

Groete dan tot more.

Goeie middag Brig. Hennie.

Ja, eerstens, Brig. Bill van der Merwe was per geleentheid ook bevelvoerder van die Lugvleuel, maar ek kan nie die presiese datums onthou nie.

Op die foto soos per e-pos aan my gestuur van die 7 SAP Lugwaardinne verskyn die dames as volg:- Staande vlnr – Zelda Claasens, Ursula Bell, Jackie de Nysschen, Corrie de Beer & Corne van Heerden.

Sittende vlnr – Anne-Mari Roets, Genl. H.G. de Witt & Elbie Viljoen.

Die bogenoemde dames het vanaf 14 tot 21 Junie 1989 hulle lugwaardin kursus te Jan Smutslughawe deurloop en was aangebied deur instrukteurs van die SA Lugdiens se Kajuitdienste.

Die kursus was eintlik n baie verkorte kursus in vergelyking met die wat lugwaardinne van SAL deurloop het.

Een van die redes was, dat SAL aspirant lugwaardinne ook in diepte opleiding op verskeie vliegtuig tipes deurloop het.

Weens sanksies teen Suid-Afrika, sowel as die sekerheidssituasie op daardie stadium, kon die SAP geensins die Beech Jet (ZS-MHN) beskikbaar stel vir die nodige opleiding tydens die kursus nie. Ons lugwaardinne moes maar noodgedwonge na die kursus hulself, in samewerking met die vlieëniers vergewis van die fynere details.

Soos reeds aan u vermeld, was die vliegtuie om sekerheidsredes en sanksies daardie tyd op die naam van n “maatskappy” Sagel & Read geregistreer, brandstof is weer onder ‘n ander naam gehanteer.

Die vlieëniers en lugwaardinne het weer kwansuis onder die naam Trans Star Promotions gegaan.

Dit het meegebring dat die groep dames hulle lugwaardinuniforms uitgekies en saamgestel het – die netjiese pienk uitrusting.

Die vlieëniers, op hulle beurt het weer gebruik gemaak van gewone siviele vlieëniersdrag en vlieëniersepoulette, tesame met n spesiale bypassende das met Trans Star Promotion logo.

Vlieënier- en lugwaardinvlerkies was ‘n aanpassing van die destydse bestaande SA Lugmag “mess dress”-vlerkie, aangesien die “die” beskikbaar was en net die sentrale motief aangepas kon word, sonder om enige agterdog te wek.

Aangeheg is ‘n foto waarop Kapt. Venter en Kol. Simon van Garderen verskyn met hulle siviele vlieëniers drag, asook lugwaardin Corrie de Beer in haar pienk uitrusting.^[6]

Gedurende middel 1992 het toestande in die land dan ook so verander dat weggedoen kon word met al die frontmaatskappy name en kon vliegtuie weer openlik as SAP vliegtuie gebruik word.

Na die opleiding van die eerste groepie dames en soos tyd aangestap het, het van die dames bedank, ander is verplaas met bevordering en Anne-Mari Roets kon nie meer vlieg weens ernstige beserings wat sy in ‘n ernstige motorongeluk opgedoen het in 1990 op die R21 snelweg.

Dus moes daar weer ‘n groepie dames opgelei word as lugwaardinne.

Hierdie kursus was aangebied deur die firma Courtline Safety.

Weereens moes die dames hulle eie uniform uitkies en saamstel.

Hierdie keer het die uniform bestaan uit ‘n veelkleurige bloesie met ‘n groenkleurige baadjie, donker kleurig dames langbroek met swart hakskoene.

Op hierdie stadium kon die dames die gewone SAP-halfvlerkie op hulle uniforms dra.

Op 31 Julie 1996 het een van hierdie groepie, Sers. J.A. Pienaar, tydens ‘n vlug vanaf Walvisbaai na Wonderboom haar uitstekend van haar taak gekwyt.

Tydens die vlug met ZS-MHN (Beech Jet) het daar ‘n “cabin decompression” plaasgevind en moes sy haar passasiers en bemanning met noodsuurstof bystaan, totdat die vliegtuig tot op die nodige vlak kon daal, waar dit nie meer nodig was vir noodsuurstof nie.

Dit het sy uiters kalm ‘n beheersd uitgevoer en het kort daarna ‘n aanprysingsertifikaat ontvang, gegee onder die hand van die Kommissaris tydens ‘n sertifikaat-oorhandigingsfunksie.

Aangeheg is ‘n foto van verskeie ontvangers van aanprysingssertifikate waartydens sy ook haar sertifikaat ontvang het.

Foto is aangeheg sodat gesien kan word hoe die uniform gelyk het. Ongelukkig weens lig vertoon die groen baadjie meer blou as groen. Die groen is redelik lig van aard, en bietjie donkerder as turkooise.

Sy was dan ook een van die heel laaste lugwaardinne, nadat kort hierna met SAP lugwaardinne weggedoen is.

Groete.

Herman

Goeie middag Brig Hennie.

Ook nou net n foto van die Trans Star Promotions vlieëniersvleuel en lugwaardin-halfvlerkie van my vriend ontvang.

Aangeheg vermelde foto met krediet aan Alan Taylor-versameling.

Groete.

Herman

1990: Dress suit Gen JV van der Merwe

Various SAP Uniforms

Some SAP Flashes

State President’s Guard

1995 SOUTH AFRICA

By Flag design by Frederick Brownell, image by Wikimedia Commons users – Per specifications in the Constitution of South Africa, Schedule 1 – National flag, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343749

By Echando una mano – This SVG coat of arms includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this coat of arms:, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88784660

By Vectorebus –

https://www.saps.gov.za/resource_centre/publications/downloads/cover_NEA_2017.pdf, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64790611

By Vectorebus – https://www.saps.gov.za/about/emblem_symbolism_sapsflag.php, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64791145

1995 General George Fivaz and the SA Police Service

Enquiries contact Editor.

Sincere thanks to

• Col Logan Govender
• Mike Huxtable
• Ida Steyn
• Servamus – Ms Annalise Kempen
• Steve Seargent
• Andrew Dinnes
• Richard van Wyk
• Dr Dennis Delport
• Mark Naude
• Nongqai
• SARP
• SAP Tydskrif / SAP Magazine

Work in Progress

There is currently no Police Museum or properly functioning Police Archive, and therefore I had to rely on my own files and private collection. This document is a draft. You are kindly invited to submit any comments or proposed additions. Please contact: Hennie Heymans

heymanshb@gmail.com

WhatsApp 072—336-1755

1. Read: 1906 ↑
2. Email from Turkey on 10-06-2026 ↑
3. Right of the Line, BSAP Formative Years, G. van Tonder – Nongqai Vol 17 No 6 ↑
4. Flag of South Africa (1928–1994) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_South_Africa_(1928%E2%80%931994) 11 Jun 2026 ↑
5. Gen Roy During quoted in Police Gazette / Polisiekoerant No 13 (20-10-2010) ↑
6. Gen HG “Hennie” de Witt and his wife Mrs Mollie de Witt also appear on the photo. ↑