Koevoet (Afrikaans for 'Crowbar') tells of the origination and
deployment of the South West African Police's elite counter-insurgency
capability during the South African Border War of 1978-1989. Drawing
upon previously unpublished sources and from interviews with a number of
key personalities, including former members of Koevoet, this volume, the
first of two, documents the formation of Koevoet and its early
operations up to 1984.
Koevoet examines the background and context to the South West African
conflict and details the early experiences of the South African Police
in seeking to counter SWAPO/PLAN activities. It outlines the tasking
assigned to Colonel Hans Dreyer of the South African Police to establish
'Ops K' and to develop a counter-insurgency unit as part of the South
West African Police response to the developing conflict; a unit that was
to become both respected and feared and is, today, considered as one of
the most effective counter-insurgency forces of modern times.
Koeveot describes the recruitment of trackers from the local
population; the integration of black and white Koevoet operators into a
single entity; their training, organization and deployment across the
'Operational Area'. The author examines Koevoet tactics in the field -
including all arms co-operation with the South African Defence Force and
the South African Air Force and the practice of 'turning' captured
SWAPO/PLAN fighters and their employment across the Zulu teams. The
design and evolution of the iconic Casspir and Wolf Mine-Protected
Vehicles (MPVs) is covered as is their practical use on operations,
alongside the development of other specialized weapons and equipment
utilized by Koevoet.
In documenting Koevoet operations in Kavnago, Kaokoland and Owamboland,
Volume 1 of Koevoet seeks to examine SWAPOL-COIN's effectiveness and
to assess how the lessons learned between 1979-1984, shaped future
Koevoet doctrine and thinking, to afford the reader a truly inclusive
perspective on counter-insurgency today as police and armed forces
globally move to a greater reliance on cutting-edge digital technology,
including artificial intelligence.
Color profiles detail a range Mine-Protected Vehicles (MPVs) used by
Koevoet, including the iconic Casspir and Wolf, along with SADF and SAAF
helicopters used to support these operations. Uniforms and insignia of
Koevoet are presented in specially commissioned full color artworks.
