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The Life and Times of Lieutenant Colonel John Walter McLean OBE VD (MID), 1855–1939
Anglo Boer War / Anglo-Boereoorlog

The Life and Times of Lieutenant Colonel John Walter McLean OBE VD (MID), 1855–1939

The remarkable life of Lieutenant Colonel John Walter McLean OBE VD (MID) spans more than six decades of South African military and civic history. From the early volunteer forces of the Eastern Cape and the frontier campaigns to the Anglo-Boer War, the First World War and the Railway and Harbour Brigade, this account preserves the experiences, service and legacy of a soldier closely associated with the Kaffrarian Rifles and the history of East London.

Read MoreNovember 11, 2026

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Navraag oor die Nongqai Voorblad van November 1960
Nongqai

Navraag oor die Nongqai Voorblad van November 1960

'n Familie-navraag deur Aurelia Borcher oor haar vader, Lewis Jacobus van Buuren, wat op die voorblad van die Nongqai van November 1960 verskyn. Die familie probeer vasstel wie die seuntjie op die foto is en of daar 'n artikel, onderskrif of ander verwysing in die tydskrif was wat verdere agtergrond oor die foto en Van Buuren se polisiediens verskaf.

November 7, 2026Read
Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy
Non-White SAP Officers

Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy

Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy was the first policeman of Indian descent to be appointed as a law instructor at the Wentworth Police Depot in Durban. He began his duties in 1962 and taught recruits about the law, police procedures and their duties towards the public. He believed that police officers needed both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to serve and protect their communities. He guided recruits with care and understanding while maintaining discipline and high standards.

November 6, 2026Read
Preserving the Legacy of Our Indian Police Unsung Heroes of Chatsworth Subramonia Pillai, A Pioneer in the South African Police
Non-White SAP Officers

Preserving the Legacy of Our Indian Police Unsung Heroes of Chatsworth Subramonia Pillai, A Pioneer in the South African Police

Subramonia Pillai was a true pioneer in the South African Police. He rose from humble beginnings as a factory worker and newspaper seller to become the first Indian police officer to attain the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He made history as the first Indian Station Commander at Chatsworth in 1965. He later commanded the Indian Police Training College at Wentworth, where he helped train future police officers. His life remains an inspiring example of hard work, education, determination and dedicated service to the South African Police.

November 6, 2026Read
Die Onderskeid tussen Koverte Insameling en Koverte Aksie
Republican Intelligence (RI)

Die Onderskeid tussen Koverte Insameling en Koverte Aksie

Hierdie artikel verduidelik die fundamentele verskil tussen koverte insameling van intelligensie en koverte aksie. Aan die hand van Suid-Afrikaanse voorbeelde soos Vlakplaas, die Burgerlike Samewerkingsburo en die voormalige Nasionale Intelligensiediens word aangetoon waarom intelligensiedienste hul onafhanklikheid, objektiwiteit en geloofwaardigheid moet behou deur kennisversameling te skei van geheime operasionele optrede.

November 6, 2026Read
1942: Arrestasie van genl. H.J. van den Bergh te Marshallplein, Johannesburg
1939 - 1945: The Wartime SA Police / 1939 - 1945: Die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie in oorlogstyd

1942: Arrestasie van genl. H.J. van den Bergh te Marshallplein, Johannesburg

The article recalls Hendrik van den Bergh’s arrest on 20 January 1942 and describes the wider wartime context of the Ossewabrandwag, police loyalties, and internment at Koffiefontein. It also reflects on the historical significance of the event and Van den Bergh’s later career.

November 3, 2026Read

In Memoriam

Everyone we remember
South African Police A Tribute to Cedric Naik 06 October 1971 - 31 October 20261971 – 2026

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Maandbrief van die Kapelaan

November 11, 2026

'n Kort oordenking deur ds Jacobus van Tonder oor God se voorsienigheid en die wyse waarop Hy mense op spesifieke tye en plekke gebruik om tot seën van ander te wees. Die boodskap beklemtoon die gelowige se roeping om instrumente in God se hand te wees.

Verlore Recce-Tweerigtingradio

October 26, 2026

In hierdie persoonlike herinnering vertel Lucas Holtzhausen van sy diensjare in die Veiligheidstak gedurende 1986 onder bevel van Brigadier Bob Beukes. Toe 'n verlore SA52-tweerigtingradio van die Recces in sy verantwoordelikheidsgebied gevind word, kry hy die opdrag om die oorsprong daarvan vas te stel. Deur sy kennis van die gebied en plaaslike kontakte spoor hy die tydelike Recce-kamp vinnig op. Die voorval beklemtoon Brigadier Beukes se bestuursfilosofie, naamlik dat 'n veldwerker sy gebied en mense deeglik moet ken. Die verhaal illustreer die belang van menslike intelligensie, betroubare beriggewers en tydige rapportering as hoekstene van effektiewe intelligensie-insameling.

Waak teen Ontnugtering

November 2, 2026

Die piece reflects on a former police career, anti-communist convictions, intelligence work, and service within the SAP and security structures. It argues that history should be preserved and recalls opponents, colleagues, and the realities of conflict and transition in South Africa.

Anglo Boer War: Bethulie and the Bridges

October 30, 2026

This chapter examines the strategic importance of Bethulie and its railway and road bridges during the Anglo-Boer War. It recounts the destruction of the railway bridge by Boer forces, the dramatic efforts of British troops to save the wagon bridge, and the crucial role of the Imperial Military Railways in maintaining military supply lines. The narrative highlights the actions of Major Nolan-Neylan, Captain P. G. Grant, and Lieutenant R. S. Popham, whose interventions preserved a key crossing over the Orange River.

Featured Reads

AI - Artificial Intelligence / AI - Kunsmatige Intelligensie

AI, Counter Terrorism and Extremism

This article discusses AI, counter-terrorism and extremism through the example of a South African teenager alleged to have been involved in a mall bomb plot and later a stabbing. It also quotes Professor Abel Esterhuyse and an ICCT study on how conversational AI can support extremist planning and manifesto drafting.

Ben Diedericks · November 11, 2026