The History Of The Northern Rhodesia Police

by Tim Wright

THE LOCUS IN QUO

The territory concerned is an area of about 290,600 square miles, almost as large as France, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary together. Northern Rhodesia is now Zambia, but in 1890, when our story starts, it had no name at all and was not a political unit.

It was one of the last spoils in the 'Scramble for Africa', the major part of a political vacuum between the two Potuguese colonies Angola or Portuguese West Africa and Mozambique or Portuguese East Africa. To the south is the natural boundary, the Zambezi River. The late-comer to colonial expansion, Imperial Germany, had established itself south of Angola in  South West Africa, now Namibia. On 28 May 1890, by treaty with the other European powers, she acquired what was to become known as Caprivi Strip, with an eighty mile frontage on the south bank of the Zambezi from Katima Mulilo to Kazungula.From Kazungula ran the Missionary Road to the South, through Khama's country, now Botswana, but in the days of Northern Rhodesia Police, Bechuanaland. At Germany's request the Zambezi was declared an international waterway.

East of Kazungula the South Bank of the Zambezi belonged to Lobengula, the Matabele King, who held sway over his own people and the Mashona in what  was soon to become Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. The Matebele raided at will across the Zambezi against the peaceloving and unorganised Batonga.

To the North-East is now Malawi, where Harry Johnston was taking over from Lugard the task of defeating the Arab Slave-traders, and was to establish the Protectorate of British Central Africa, later Nyasaland. Round the north of Lake Nyasa as far as  Lake Tanganyika were the Germans again, extending German East Africa inland from the coast. In 1919 it was to become the Tanganyika Territory, now Tanzania.

In the North-West the King of Belgians was carving out his private fiefdom, the Congo Free State.

A glance at a map of Zambia shows its strange, almost diablo, shape, with a wasp waist just over a hundred miles wide where the Katanga Province of The Congo, geologically as well as geographically part of the Zambian Copperbelt, cuts in. Until November 1890 the Katanga, or Garenganze, was also nomansland as far as the European powers were concerned. Since 1875 it had been known to be rich in minerals. Cecil Rhodes wanted it. So did King Leopold of the Belgians.



Nkhwazi Volume 11 No.3 December, 1963

A Prang in the bush....

On the 30th August, 1953, at approximately 3 p.m. a Northern Rhodesia Government-owned Rapide VP-RCP left Lusaka Airport for Fort Jameson. On board were the then Commissioner, Mr. J. P. I. Fforde, Assistant Inspectors J. G. Webster and D. J. Crowley and, of course, the Government pilot, Ted Lenton.

The following day Force Headquarters erupted with violent action with the news that the aircraft had not arrived at Fort Jameson the previous evening and must, therefore, be assumed missing. Late that same night four search parties departed for the Eastern Province from Force Headquarters. Meantime, the whole of the Eastern and Northern Provinces were alerted. Scheduled airlines and the Royal Air Force were in the search as well as members of the Police, Provincial Administration, Agriculture Department, chiefs, kapasus, Game and Tsetse Control officers—in fact one and all joined in the search but there was no further news that day.

In charge of the search parties from Lusaka was Mike Philpott (now Senior Superintendent) and he had with him Assistant Inspector Bateman (since left the Force), Inspector Hine (since retired), Assistant Inspector Williams (now Assistant Superintendent), Inspector Mackintosh (now Superintendent), Inspector Moore (since left the Force), Detective Inspector Waters (now Superintendent) and Assistant Inspector Warr (now Senior Inspector). The whole operation got under way with a minimum of fuss and bother and they arrived at Petauke on the 1st September at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, at Force Headquarters on the 1st September at precisely 10.50 a.m. the telephone rang in the office of Headquarters Superintendent (Mr. D. W. Humphrey, now Director of Colonial Police Studies at the Police College, Bramshill) and the following message was read out from the Post Office:

“ FROM AGRICOLA LUNDAZI 010800 HRS TO COMPOL LUSAKA URGENT

25/53 PLANE CRASHED MPIKA DISTRICT 8 MILES WEST OF LUAMBE GAME CAMP STOP PARTY CONSISTS MESSRS. FORD CRAWLEY BERKLY AND ONE OTHER STOP THREE INJURED FRACTURES LEGS ETC DC LUNDAZI LEFT LAST NIGHT AND WILL BRING CASUALTIES TO LUNDAZI TODAY STOP PLEASE ARRANGE FOR MEDICAL OFFICER AND SUITABLE TRANSPORT TO ARRIVE LUNDAZI WITFI ALL HASTE STOP POSSIBLE KEEP LISTENING WATCH ON RADIO UNTIL PARTY ARRIVE HERE”

This was indeed great news, but where were the fliers. If you look at a map of Northern Rhodesia you will appreciate that the Northern and Eastern Provinces cover an immense amount of territory. They had indeed crashed on the night of 30th August, just after 9 p.m. Their position was at a point in square K5 on the 1: 2,000,000 map of Northern Rhodesia, on the Munyamadzi River one-eighth of an meh east of the 32° longitude line at an unmarked village named Lambwe in Chief Nawalya’s area in the Mpika District. They were, in actual fact, in the Northern Province and it would have been hard to find a more inaccessible spot.

That night was spent camped near to the plane and the next day they moved to Lambwe with the assistance of Chief Nawalya, who proved to be a great help. A message was sent by hand to the White Fathers at Lumimba Mission (a good nine hours’ walk away) who in turn informed the District Commissioner at Lundazi and the search was called off.

By the 2nd September the whole party was at Lundazi Boma. No mean feat when you consider the distance involved. In actual fact one of the officers responsible for the excellent rescue arrangements was L. Bean, Esq., m.b.e., now Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Chief Secretary.

Injuries? Well, looking at one of the photographs accompanying this article you will consider it amazing that even one person, let alone four, could possibly have come out of the wreckage. Mr. Fforde sustained a sprained ankle and knee and a bruised back and ribs. Webster and Crawley sustained bruises and pilot Lenton fractured rib and ankle and shock (which is not surprising).

A miraculous escape? You can say that again!

BROKEN HILL POLICE CRICKET CLUB

Nkhwazi Volume 11 No.3 December, 1963

Just over a year ago a meeting was held in the Broken Hill Police Club with the intention of forming a cricket section of the club. Sufficient interest was shown to go ahead with the idea and the first game was played on 26th August, 1962. The captain of the side was Mike Russell, with Trevor Soper as Secretary/Treasurer and Pete Olpin as the third committee member. It was entirely due to Pete’s efforts that the section was started and it will give him satisfaction, on reading these notes, to see that the section has grown considerably this year.

The side was a mixture of regular, reserve and guest players and had no great playing ability. However, most people were very keen and there was a good spirit in the side, which was just as well, for out of eleven fixtures played last season we lost all but one! What we lacked in ability on the field, we more than compensated for off the field and the team gained a good name locally for its sportsmanship and alesmanship.

We were the local orphans and depended entirely on the kindness of the other clubs for the use of their grounds to play “ home ” fixtures. The Railway Club was especially good in this respect, giving us the use of their practice nets two nights a week.

During the close season we were elected to the local cricket league. We also gained a home ground at the Rural District Boma, a lovely little ground, reminiscent of an English country green pitch. The field itself is rather agricultural and thewicket is laterite. We have also made ourselves a concrete wicket at the side of Hawkins Camp parade ground, and our thanks for this are due to Albert van Rooyen of the Raylton Reserve, for giving up his spare time to lay it.

This year we have over twenty playing members and it is especially gratifying to see so many Regulars turning out. The team is stronger than last year’s side, but we are still hoping to see the whole side come on form at once. Our greater strength is shown by the fact that we do not now have to bat twice in an afternoon to give the opposing bowlers some practice!

This season’s committee consists of Will Morris, captain, Dave McLaren, vice-captain and Len Brennan, secretary/treasurer. We were unfortunatein losing Tony Cremer, one of our guest players, early on in the season and none of our last year’s committee are now on our playing strength.

In a pre-league series of friendly games we won three of the seven games played, with one drawn and the remainder lost. The league has been in progress for three weeks now and our record to date is one game drawn and two lost.

We have had four players selected for the Town XI: Morris, McLaren, Cremer and Tim Goodman. Tim also played for the Lusaka- Broken Hill Combined XI, as did Dave McLaren. Shortly after taking eight Lusaka wickets for fifty runs in an inter-town game, Tim unfortunately broke his right hand and we have been without him since. Had we had him for our league games, we would no doubt have had better results.

Our standing locally is as high as last season’s, if not higher, and one of our friendly games was described in the local press as “ cricket at its best ”. Despite this, we are still awaiting the gentlemen from eighty-six miles down the Great North Road to accept our invitation to “ Come up and see us some time.” We can promise you a good day’s cricket plus a good night’s clean fun, so how about it ?

Finally, our thanks must go to John Tedford, our groundsman, for his work on the field. At least he’ll have a trade to go home to!

W. Morris

The above pictures are from The Rhodesian (Central African) Annual, 1962

 Honours and Awards . . .

Nkhwazi Volume 11 No.3 December, 1963

On the 19th August, 1963, at the Mufulira Football Ground, His Excellency the Governor, Sir Evelyn Hone, k.c.m.g., c.v.o., o.b.e., presented Colonial Police Medals for Meritorious Service to Detective SubInspector Chipasula and Detective Head Constable Mulenga.

In addition, His Excellency presented Colonial Police Long Service Medals to Detective Assistant Inspectors Hampungi and Singongo, Detective SubInspector Tembo, Head Constable Mulabya, Sergeants Sawasawa, Mugala and N’gambi and Constable Musakanya.

It was an impressive ceremony and the men concerned are to be congratulated.

Nkhwazi Volume 11 No.3 December, 1963

Northern Rhodesia Police, 1963

Nkhwazi Volume 11 No.3 December, 1963

A Report on the Arrest of a Man who Murdered his Wife in the Kalomo District.

By Peter Duncan Aphiri (Detective-Inspector,retired.)

Some time in 1931 I was called upon to carry out what I might call an extensive investigation in a murder case which took place in one of the remotest areas of the Kalomo District. I was, at the time, a Detective Constable stationed at Livingstone. My wages were thirty shillings per month!

I started off for Kalomo on a push-bike, using the only path which existed at the time. The path was bumpy and winding. It took me three days to reach Kalomo. As there was no police station at Kalomo I reported to the D.C. immediately I arrived. The D.C. was very pleased to see me. He said the murder had been committed at a place about 400 miles away from Kalomo. Since the inhabitants of that part of the country were both fearful and unco-operative, I asked the D.C. for the company of one of his messengers. I was disappointed to hear that he could not let me have any of his messengers as he had not enough.

There was nothing I could do but to stomach the disappointment—I went to bed that night thinking what I would do next.

To read fill article click on link below:

Nkhwazi Volume 11 No.3 December, 1963

ON AND OFF THE LINE OF RAIL 

RIVERSIDE

Dear Sir,

Recently the Officer in Charge told the Station Inspector to write some notes for the magazine, the Station Inspector said he was too busy and called me into his office and told me that it was time that the rest of the Police Force heard from the African police on the station. So here I am and these are the notes.

As most people will know, this station opened in August, 1960. At that time there were fifty African police on the station, this has now been increased to one hundred. Since the station opened it has been the busiest station in the district by far. The reason being that the people in the compounds which Riverside controls are very hostile, and as a result of this we have been very busy in dealing with them. Our first Officer in Charge was Chief Inspector Williams. We worked very well with him and were sorry to see him go when he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent: congratulations to him on this promotion. He was followed by Chief Inspector Coates, who stayed with us over a year. He did a very good thing for us when he hired a television for us so that our families could watch it. Mr. Coates then left us on promotion to Assistant Superintendent and went to the Northern Province. Chief Inspector Killick then took over and is still with us. We are very pleased with him as there has been very rapid promotion since he arrived. Inspector Davis is the Station Inspector and our sports organiser. Since he started this job we have won the Kitwc InterDistrict cross-country cup and the football: congratulations to all the runners and football players- We also congratulate Head Constable Mulambya on the award of his Long Service Medal and Constables Mushenywa, Mulomba, Mwitumwa, Kanombola and Muyunda, who received young babies this year. We are very pleased with our station although it is busy: this does not worry us because we are gaining experience.

V. Mununga, Sergeant, 3857.

 MUFULIRA MINE

This station is one of the show places of the Northern Rhodesia Police, situated as it is twixt the mine smelter and the municipal sewage works. Despite this, we are right on the ball and can usually tell when there is something in the air.

Our Officer in Charge is Inspector Russell Tobin (No. 857—attested December ’57—promoted November ’60)—Mobile Unit please note. He is, of course, a very busy man indeed; between writing memos to the Admin Officer and doing night rounds, he is at present drafting advertisements like: “ Have car (plum-coloured V.W.)— Will Travel. Ex N.R. Policeman prepared to do anything, go anywhere ”, etc.

Next we have Inspector Brian Old, who is currently occupying the admin office and is keeping himself busy answering notes labelled: “ 843 Please deal ” and grooming his latest Dachshund.

Next on the list is Detective Inspector Brian Donald who arrived in May to take over from Assistant Inspector Eric Towlson, who is now on vacation leave somewhere in the wilds of Kent. Brian is, we think, suffering from schizophrenia as he has to accept double his share of dockets and consumes double his quota of gin. He certainly receives more than his fair share of dockets but the C.I.O. and the Officer in Charge are somewhat puzzled as to the eventual destination of such. They are assured by Brian, however, that the smell of burning paper coming from the C.I.D. Office has nothing whatever to do with the “ finalising ” of reported cases.

Assistant Inspector Jim Jordan, commonly known as Jungle Jim, recently made another of his epic trips into the unexplored hinterland of the Kafue Flats. Jim, however, returned to base the same day and informed us that the car which he had borrowed had been fixed so that it threatened to break down after he had gone a hundred miles. That’s what Jim says, anyway. Where is the spirit of adventure these days ?

Assistant Inspectors Brian Gill and Duncan Donaldson are discussing getting a security job somewhere, we certainly hope that any applicationthey make in this direction is successful, as they will be able to look after one another. The Officer in Charge is trying to peruade them to take a job with Union-Castle as stewards, in the hope that he can get some work out of them on his boat trip going home.

Last and most certainly least of the Mess members, we have Assistant Inspector Derek Justice, who spends most of his time pushing his car to and from the European township. Derek repeatedly tells us that there is nothing wrong with the car and that he is doing it to put on weight. The latter is a sore point with Derek at at the moment as he has just had the money he spent on a Charles Atlas course refunded to him.

The above-mentioned persons have decided to hold a reunion in 1964—on the Glasgow-to- London mail train.

A recent arrival on the station is Assistant Inspector Isaac Marume, who was recently promoted from Constable after attending an Advanced Course at Lilayi. Isaac replaces Assistant Inspector Simataa, who was transferred to Nchanga.

One long-serving member of the station will have retired at the end of October. Sub-Inspector Fereck Nguluwe has to leave the Force because of ill health, he tells us he is going to become a farmer. To have to leave the Force at the present time of opportunity is very sad, and we wish him a happy retirement and the best possible health.

Recent arrivals to the Mine Station are Constables Kanguya, Sikota, ChimsukilaandMushopo, who joined us from Training School. Detective Constable Mwemba arrived at Mine Station from Mufulira District and is now having to work for his plain clothes allowance. Another recent arrival on Mine Station staff is Sub-Inspector Simwene, who came to Butondo Police Post from Mazabuka and whom we think by this time will be wishing he was back in the Southern Province.

Constable Ndeleki, 6346, merited the congratulations of the camp members when his wife recently gave birth to twin girls. Our congratulations also go to 5702 Constable Kampengele, who recently got himself married and from all accounts is settling down to as quiet a life as is possible to lead on the Mine Station. Constable Mudiyo’s wife gave birth to a baby boy in September, and after having been told by his shift officer that it was a ” bouncing boy ”, he later discovered that it didn’t. A boy was also born to the wife of Constable Sishebe, to whom we also extend our congratulations.

We close down the above transmission by wishing all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Roll on “Abbo ”.

“ Overworked ”

 MUFULIRA CENTRAL

To start with, on the left side of Main Street towards the first-class trading area is Mufulira Central being built in “ U ” style.

Behind Mufulira Central is Mufulira District Headquarters where upstairs office of Commanding Officer is, to enable him to see what is happening around the station, people moving in the streets and vehicles passing in the streets to and fro and when they are involved in accidents he rings traffic section for dealing. What a loverly office he has, wonderful.

Coming back to Central, who is in charge of Mufulira Central? Mr. II. M. Allen, who took over from Mr. D. J. Ward, who is now on long leave, wishing Mr. D. J. Ward and family a happy stay. Mr. H. M. Allen assumed charge of Mufulira Central on 26th July, 1963. A giant man who never forgets his cane when coming on duty to station and always gives a happy smile when someone brings a contravention and says well done. When I one day peeped in the Administration Office I noticed that Assistant Inspector D. Holman had a metal bar on both his shoulders, I smiled, he smiled too, he is now Inspector, congratulations keep it up, David. Near the Armoury Store there is a long iron bar painted in red for sounding the alarm, when it is sounded all ranks turn up in time like people invited to a cork tail party. Jimmy Brown Detective Inspector, is back to Central buildings where he is given an office with a telephone, perhaps he wished it so that he may be near the Inquiry Office for the sake of collecting dockets very soon in the morning. We are happy for Inspector R. Willing and family to join us and we wish them the best of success and happiness in their new life.

Back to Central is Assistant Inspector Max Trouteaud from C.I.D., a swift footballer who

never misses a ball while in action. Perhaps he is tired of wearing civilian clothes, like a civilian we warmly welcome him.

Back from leave are Assistant Inspector I. Coulson who is now learning to speak Chibcmba like (mwapulenipo mukwae mulekosa) and Sub Inspector Dare who were both previously stationed in Southern Division, we wish them a happy stay. Constable Sinkala left us for a promotion course we wish him the best of luck there.

Congratulations to Constable Muyoba and his wife who were blessed with a baby girl early in September. Constable Zulu from training school to Mufulira Central found the place so bracing that he got married. Constable Kanguya was transferred to Mine Station from parent station early in August. To offset the deficit we welcome Assistant Inspectors L. W. Mwikisa, D. M. Chiwaya and Driver Sergeant Laima from Training School.

Our slogan when alarm is sounded:

“ Out vincere out mori for order and peace ” “ Dominus benedicat ”.

Visit Mufulira and see what we mean.

That concludes latest news from Central. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year extended to all members of the Force.

Wamunyima (1)

The Editorial Board is indebted to Mr. J. Llewelyn Jones of Choma for the above unusual photograph.

It depicts ex-Constable Mudenda of the Barotse Native Police.

Mudenda stated that he was at one time stationed at N’Kala on the Cattle Cordon. N’Kala is still there and is in the Namwala District.

It is anybody’s guess as to how old Mudenda is to-day.

 MPIKA

I have been instructed to write to Nkhwazi. There have been many changes since we last appeared in the print. The station is composed of Inspector Breen, who took over from Senior Inspector Hanson, who is now in charge of Kitwe East.

Assistant Inspector Jembo was recently transferred from Nchanga. He is still bewildered but he has been assured that he was not posted because of anything that he had done. Detective Assistant Inspector Cochrane was recently promoted to the rank of Inspector, wishing him luck.

Our new arrivals are, Constables Soko, Kafunda, Mboo, Sefuke, Mtonga, Chifunshya and Ngandu. To them we say “ grin and bear it ”. Amongst our losses we number Constables Nyambe and Muchimba. Of them we would ask, “ How did you get away ? ”.

We congratulate Constables Mwalula and Simangolwa families for their newly-born children, may God be with them.

Constable Mpezeni has rejoined the ranks and we hope he will be happy amongst them. Constable Munamongahas stepped into Mukwasiluto’s record-keeping pending Mukwasiluto’s return from vacation leave. Munamonga can be seen engulfed in registers during working hours, but I think he is beginning to win the battle.

The old hands like Mwalula, Aphera, Simangolwa, Nganga and Sakwiba still keep the patrols going (despite Aphcra’s close shave with the “ elephant that threw branches at him ”).

Our “ cloak and dagger ” men were moved up to the Boma to make way for the people who work occasionally.

Lastly, the Mpika contingent of this Force pass on their greetings and best wishes.

A. C. Munamonga, Constable 6228.

 NORTH-WESTERN DIVISION HEADQUARTERS

I seem to be spending most of my time these days compiling articles of one sort or another for Nkhwazi. I must say that the present hot weather isn’t conducive to profound thoughts, so I’ll press on regardless and just put down anything I can think of. I suppose that the only reason I write these notes anyway is that I don’t have to write offensive remarks about myself. Well, that’s the first paragraph finished!

Ian T erry, until recently S.B.O., Balovale, has now departed on vacation leave pending resignation. T here is, however, considerable doubt as to whether he will in fact make it to England. At the moment he’s in one place and his passage tickets in another. Ian was relieved (I bet he was!) by Dave Buchanan and we hope he and Pat enjoy their stay in Balovale. Dave is already getting into the swing of things and is even now an experienced fisherman. It is reliably learnt that he has evolved a technique for preserving fish-heads as trophies. This consists of soaking them in meths for a few days, having ceremoniously placed them in the “ whatsit ” that one normally finds under the bed. No doubt in a few months’ time he will be shaking the bones whilst muttering weird incantations to himself.

The author of this article and our Commanding Officer recently spent a couple of days in Balovale. Unfortunately the proposed fishing trip came to a sad end when the engine packed up in the middle of the Zambezi and the boat started drifting in the general direction of Kariba. However, everything turned out alright, thanks to the prompt action by Derek Gray. His stentorian shouts of “ Help! ” were, I am told, heard back in Solwezi. The cartoon accompanying this article will let you know just how we manage to fox H.Q. and spend most of our time indulging in such pastimes!

Frank McGovern is still around the Mwinilunga Boma—some of the time anyway. It seems that he has now started a branch of the Corps Diplomatique on the Boma and it is now possible to find him crouched over a Tilley lamp late at night studying James Bond’s latest exploits.

Dave Durose, Officer in Charge, Solwezi, has just returned from a spot of leave, wandering round game parks in the Livingstone area. He had a fine time except for the occasion when a semi-educated Zebra attempted to climb into the driving seat. I can’t find anything in Cap. 173 about this sort of thing; perhaps other readers might help.

 NDOLA DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS

No Angels these, that work here;

But humans tried and true.

And if you do believe me,

It says so much for you.

Mr. Waller has taken over the chair from Bill Townley as 2 i/c to Mr. Philpott, and we wish Bill all the best at Muf.

Since we last went to press very little has happened. Rosemary Pellat has resigned and will be leaving soon. The prosecutors have had an addition in the shape of Pete (Traffic Cases) Chester and Iris Johnston. Mike and Jean Mylod are going on leave soon but where they will go has yet to be settled. Jean wants Scotland and Mike wants Ireland. Eddie Jones still wants his “ lumpers ” (Abbo).

Maf Smith, who hoped to pass on his monthly returns to another was stymied by the whim of the Government. Mike Wright—R.S. & T.O.— still carries on—working as hard as ever.

Jan Revell, the telephonist, has decided to go on a diet and only eats six ice creams a day instead of the usual seven. She is wished every success with her slimming by the Ndola District staff.

Mrs. Turner in the registry is continually threatening bodily violence to any who dare to enter without knocking.

Overheard in the Police Mess, Room 36:

“ Darling, I did not know that prisoners were given rooms like these.”

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Ndola District.

 MUFULIRA DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS

I refer to Minute No. P. 138/30 from the Commissioner of Police, dated 23rd September, 1963, pressing for material for the December number of Nkhwazi. I refer in particular to the remarks—I quote, “ This is not such an arduous task as one would imagine, all it requires is a willing volunteer and half the battle is over ”.

I started the first half of the battle by calling for the District Headquarter’s “ willing volunteers ”. Realising the necessity for tact, I extolled their journalistic virtues and the good effect their acceptance would have on their annual reports, promised extra days off, and generally told them all the stories a good O.C. must be able to on such occasions. The result—severe cases of loss of memory, too busy working out compensation figures and, finally, from a poker-faced gentleman (who knows a thing or two)—“ You, Sir, are our father and mother (what a horrible thought) and we look upon you as being the proper person to present the fortunes, good or bad, of this district to the world at large ”, and there I was— “ catched ”.

I have a horrible feeling that someone in Headquarters has now discovered an area called Mufulira District, and also appears to realise that policemen are actually in it. Don’t ask me why I have this feeling, but we are actually being offered more staff than we can house, and a second in command (such luxury) in the form of good old Bwana Bill Townley is arriving. We are having difficulty in finding a red carpet, but Mike Cleasby, our hard-worked District Inspector has suggested dyeing some of those familiar perforated rolls of paper we know so well. Welcome, Bill and Madge.

Bwana (Horses) Robertson has left the stables at Lilayi and comes to us as Camp Commandant (another luxury). He is going to have his hands full keeping tabs on our one and only labourer.

Big Bwana Alex Shackleton has left Kawambwa and is now a member of the finest district in the Force! We welcome him and his wife and family.

I don’t know about other districts, but most chaps in this district seem to have a sudden urge to study accountancy. Going round stations one hears such expressions as “ What is £950 multiplied by 3.5 ? ” and “ What is a quarter of £1,500 ”. One also finds papers covered with figures in most station records. Most intriguing—perhaps some reader can enlighten me.

We wish Geoff Harris and his family a very good leave and welcome his successor (proposed) Gordon Twiss, who doesn’t know what he is coming to. They find some strange ways of committing murder in Mufulira and, if the C.I.D. staff here were confronted with a plain straightforward murder, they’d probably resign. “ Ma ” Jordaan has been welcomed into the C.I.D. fold and we wish her a long and happy stay here.

Our able lawyers Dave Price and Frank Myham were recently invited to a lecture on Alcoholics Anonymous at Kitwe. We never suspected this condition, poor fellows.

We were sorry to see John Melloy leave Mufulira, but at the same time realise it was worth it, and congratulate him on his promotion. Brian Hill and his merry hooded men keep us well supplied with scandal. We sometimes wonder what else they do.

Bwana (Longwani) Veiling is still putting the fear of God into the local motorists with the help of his staff, to which we welcome Assistant Inspector Mubanga and Sub-Inspector Kalala.

Ginger O’Dell holds the fort as R.S. & T.O. and on his visits to Lusaka gleans all manner of information for us down there.

Although Edna Hanbidge, our maid-of-all-work and general factotum (of hard exterior and softhearted fame) will be on leave when this is published, we hope her leave will be a very good one and wish her a safe and speedy return as we know we will all miss her.

Now that the battle is over, it really has not been such a cask. In a more serious vein, I wish to thank all members of the Force who have served in this district this year for their hard and willing work under difficult circumstances, and we all wish members of the Force and their families a Happy (and quiet) Christmas, and a prosperous (and quiet) New Year.

The Old Man.

MONZE

or Plain Man’s Guide to Happiness

After the Profumo affair, this is going to be an anticlimax. After all, what else can one write about—all the avenues have already been explored by the popular press. Those of you who have not heard of the Profumo affair just haven’t been looking, have you ? By the way, someone here tells me that we will swop you one of our C.K.jokes for two of yours. Address them under “ In Confidence ” please.

One is obliged, I suppose, to go through the usual dreary staff list. Mind you we are not as dreary as all that. I don’t see why I should do, though, you’ll know from Force Orders who’s who. They don’t trust big S.p.os here so they give us little s.p.os. Well, as far as little s.p.os go (and they will, too, given half the chance) there are two medium-sized thin ones, two large-sized fat ones and one nondescript. The latter wears a moustache cultivated in that hell-hole Chirundu. He’s going on leave, thank God. Back to Wales and what with the stuff he’s learnt here, he’s going to help the Welsh Nationalists in the Struggle with the Imperialists. The Force Institution (Senior Inspector G. B. S. L . . .) left in July and to help the N.R. balance of payments was sending postcards from Amsterdam without first bothering with a stamp. Accounts send us rude letters saying you can’t recover that from imprest A thin one took over from him after coming from Livingstone. If you do have occasion to have an interview with him be prepared to stay for an hour or two. He Talks in a big way. A poor Irish Father got caught the other day when he came to register himself as an Alien or something similar. A two-second job. He was here for quite a while—discussing Social Anthropology. Actually, the little s.p.o. who Talks is in a bad way—he can’t take his liquor as he used to—that’s a warning about a mis-spent youth in Mobile Unit, if ever there was one. The other thin one, also with a moustache, says he works in C.I.D. I don’t believe it. We never see him—it could be that he is working most of the time (blackleg). That sort of thing only gives people ideas, such people as big S.p.os. Counting backwards, it leaves the two fat ones. They both maintain they are losing weight. One fat one had the town and station believe that this was actually so when he proudly showed them the gap between his shorts and shirt. They didn’t reckon with these shrewd Continentals. The shorts were specially made bigger to create this illusion. The other fat one, who maintains he is ex Fort Jameson (knowing him now, I can see why he is “ ex ”), says that the locals drink far more beer here in Monze than they do in F.J. and what’s more, he says that they can hold their beer better here too. Can you disprove, F.J. ? This fat gent had his one-man campaign putting the idea to the test at the local pub some time ago—so much so that he forgot where he parked his car. Most embarrassing to be with him, you just can’t carry him anywhere. Who’s been left out? Two lady clerks—yes, two, and women too. Marvellous for a place this size. We don’t let ’em do any work because they wouldn’t if you gave them any in any case.

One of the lady clerks comes in about once a month with a “ I hate men ” campaign. It catches on because all the men then go into a “ I hate women ” campaign. Mind you, the making- up is fun.

Can any of you bird-fanciers inform us what a “ bara-bara-bara bird is ? It comes down our way about once a week although we believe its natural habitat (that’s a good word) is Mazabuka. This here bird keeps us very busy most of the time, but we do our best to try and keep it out. (You know, what the eye doesn’t see . . .)

Apart from trying to flog the police station, we haven’t done much down this way. We’ve all given up this game they call golf because we found it wastes drinking time. The fact that none of us can play the game in any case has no bearing whatever on our decision. It has been decided that the local club in the camp (we won’t say which one—but if you’ve heard the stories you’ll know) will not open before 1100 hours in the morning on working days. We seem to have the knack here of getting into trouble all the time, you know, complaints against police, crashing new Jeeps and all that nonsense. What’s the saying—“ you shouldn’t have joined . . .” Talking of not joining, the two fat ones, not being married and not having any known offspring, are now debating how to dodge the tax man. Last year it was a tax woman one fat man saw and paid some ridiculous amount per month. This year they are obviously playing safe— tax men now answer one’s questions. Ah well, I suppose grandma had better become dependent on me again.

It’s time we gave a public warning about persons unknown coming to Monze and having heard about our hospitality, promptly go and drink all our hard-earned beer. This will cease forthwith—if you come down here you now pay for your own beer. We’ll play you cards for them though. Two big local S.p.os. found this out to their cost one Sunday night.

Going back to earlier comments about The Force Institution, when he left we had a few parties. One even got reported in the local rag. That’s what comes of fraternising with the local

Correspondents. Nice write-up, though. Nothing vulgar, but wasn’t really accurate because it didn’t say what really went on. She (the Correspondent) swears that she reported it all but it wasn’t used. Come to think of it, I’m not surprised. This orgy was followed by a repeat orgy at the Mess. It’s a good job we invited P.W.D. as we would never have got the place repaired afterwards. That reminds me that this was the week that we had that radar machine here. The locals were giving one fat man working it rude signs, only to learn later that the fat man they had given rude signs to was not in fact the Monzc fat man they thought it was, but one specially imported for the occasion. Shows you what the locals think of fat men, doesn’t it? Or could it be they were showing what they think of fat Monze policemen ?

If I don’t get this off before the rains start, I shall be in trouble.

Tio Pepe.

 WUSIKILI

Since last publication of this magazine there have been one or two changes in staff including the appearance on the scene of Duane Comerford, Dave Thompson and Duncan MacKenzie. The departure of Mr. Thomas on promotion and Steve Stephenson to the Mobile Unit was regretted, although the station’s best wishes are extended to them in their new posts.

By the time this goes to press we will have already lost Bob Ward. John Sutton leaves shortly for New Zealand. Duncan MacKenzie, recently exalted to “ Inquiry Office Inspector ”, is finding Wusikili to his liking but finds it a little difficult in obtaining an interpreter; however, we expect this to be overcome shortly with the advent of his taking up a course in English. He is also the Badminton fundi and any request should be addressed to “ Li Chop McSporran, Hut B4/4560, Wusikili.”

Our sporting activity, not considering Bob Ward of course, has resulted in a second place in the district cross-country, and complete failure in the soccer tourney. John Sutton and the team really did us proud in the cross-country and our congratulations must be extended to all. Our heartiest congratulations to Sub-Inspector Storey on his promotion and we hope that new arrivals at the station will like their new surroundings. Finally we take the opportunity to offer our seasonal greetings to fellow-sufferers during the coming festive season.

Big Furry Deal.

It seems incredible that more notes are required already for Nkhwazi—the last lot only went off two months ago! However, Christmas is coming and it will soon be time for Easter eggs, so off we go again.

Pride of place in this issue must go to the arrivals and departures department. We have seen Stan Hanson depart for Kitwe East and Charlie Skinner for the delights of Choma. John Dawson is now on leave as are Peter and Lou Taylor. Arrivals include Ted and Phillipa Pamphilon, Eric Warrington, Duncan McKenzie and Bob Anderson. To all we give a big welcome with a special cheer from the club committee, whose profits are expected to climb steadily due to the influx of old hands. With several of the younger blokes joining the Mine, it is estimated that the average age of the Inspectorate in this district is greater than any Force average in the past ten years.

Talking of old men, it seems that only one subject occupies their time nowadays. “ Lumpers” I believe its called and it would appear that something akin to the Nuffield millions is about to be distributed with gay abandon. One enterprising individual has orders in hand for a “ Golden Bowler ” tie to commemorate this great occasion.

An unusual piece of found property was recently brought in by Colin Heygate (of “ do yourself with a petrol bomb ” fame) in the form of a horse. Colin seriously considered riding into town bare- back but, as the horse nearly fell over when he pushed it, and he himself weighs around two hundred pounds, the animal was led back (temperature about ninety in the shade). When found at the rear of the station by the O.C., grave fears arose as to whether those in power had decided to have a mounted section at Chingola as well as dogs. At the time of writing the horse is still behind the station.

As it is time I went to see a source about the latest pay, O.S.A.S., “ Lumpers ”, gratuity, pension rumours, I must close by saying that Dicky Dixon’s vow to give up the “ curse of the working class ” did not survive the rigours of duty and he was duly presented with a baby son, which necessitated carrying on supporting that well-known N.R. brewery.

Mafuta.

 MAZABUKA

the editer

‘Nkhwazi Magazine, Lusaka.

Dere Sir or understudy,

I hav just heard the news about making all the capital s.p.o.s retyre. I rekon that mister Late hav given the p.a. a slap in the eye by teling the plice to go first and I think that it shows that the plice is the most efishant deptment.

However it show that mr. Late no were the ded wood is becos he hav told al the capital s.p.o.s to go first witch bare out wot bwana M hav sed for a long time. After al wen he kritisize any capitel s.p.o. for geting 2 mutch pay for no work they always repli that I’m geting paid not for wot i do but who i know. Arfter debating the news tooday bwana brown and bwana bird went on a farm patrol to luke for jobs as labrers but failed dismerly witch go to show don’t it ?

bwana M sa that if he gets any “ abo ” he are going to take it to Ostrailier and buy a bilabong and grow wobel bords. he sa that basil borowdale sa that Ostrailier is full of abos so perhaps his wil feel at home if he takes his their.

die makel wont to no if this loklizashon also aplie to lady darks—can yew imagin having ester Piri sited on yore nee taking diktashon insted of maggie gordon, i mene wel, cor, kan yew imagin it eh?

i see that members of the Expektorate can also pak up and go if they are overtook by the local w oficers but this can only apli if they are

kwalified so it luke as tho norman gilet is hear for fife if he don’t pass his langwidge soon or by one from bwana M.

Aniwa i rekon sum blokes is plaing merri hel in loosarker just now and the best of luk to bil campyon and ken west two, not to menshon the govt, printer.

buy, bye and kwarcher,

Yores j Mowgli.

Pe.S. the bugler wouldn’t lend me the tiperiter so i’ve had to rite this leter to yew and i rekon frank martin won’t be larfing wen they tel him he’s redundent (witch is wot i hav sed for yeres).

 CHILANGA

It is a long time since Chilanga notes appeared in Nkhwazi. Chilanga is one of the rural stations in Lusaka Division which has elegant buildings. It’s splendid office, which has fragrant flowers all around is situated about a hundred yards from the Great North Road on the eastern side, and about ten miles south of Lusaka—seventeen miles from Kafue.

The sunset’s red tint over Mount Makulu gives a luxury mood to people at the station, and is reflected by the great building of Chilanga Cement factory, at the eastern side of the station, which is built on a mound.

Chilanga police station is being well managed by Inspector T. B. Wright, assisted by Inspector J. M. P. Murray, who has recently been promoted to the rank of Inspector. Congratulations for his success.

Our newly-appointed Inspector is the one in charge of investigation branch of the station. He is busy with investigations, together with his party.

Between the last week of September and the first week of October we were kept busy by voters’ registration, and I think this applied to everyone in the Force. In addition, we had a series of sudden deaths. But now constables are back to their normal duties—farm patrols, which do not tax their powers.

Welcome to Constables Mwanga, Kalumba, Banda and Mbwetete, who have recently joined us from Training School. They seem to be proficient constables although they have only recently completed their training.

Congratulations to Sergeants Muyila and Konayuma and to Constables Nyirenda, Kasonde and Katongo, together with their wives, for having new babies. We wish Sergeant Konayuma and Constable Kasonde the best of luck in their promotion courses. Best wishes also go to Constable Kachenga who is on leave.

We are sorry that Constable Liywalii is on terminal leave, and that Constable Siyamate has left the Force. Nevertheless, we wish them the best, wherever they may be.

Warm and sincere greetings—Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to every member of the Force.

4708 Constable Silumelume.

The Donas Remember

by Alice Shirley Schofield



In 1992 Shirley Schofield set out to gather reminiscences from wives of Northern Rhodesia Policemen in order to produce a record of how things were from their point of view.

The result is an admirable illustrated paperback, the contents of which have been gleaned from the contributions received from some 15 police wives.

Wisely Mrs Schofield has not just reprinted the various submissions, but extracts from each have been used to cover the progression from birth, in some cases, through early experiences, then travel to Northern Rhodesia, marriage, the subsequent trials and pleasures of life in Africa and on to the time after independence when, with regret, they felt bound to leave.

All the vagaries of life are covered, from houses lacking all mod. cons., life in the bush, servants, childbirth, emergencies and much of the lighter side.

Shirley Schofield has done a fine job in editing and arranging the various 'snippets' she has used into the making of what is a remarkably coherent book written in clear and concise descriptive English. It is a most readable book which adds a valuable insight into the life and times of Colonial Police families.