Special Operations.Com

Special Task Force

Operational Deployments

On 2 February 1996 the Special Task Force was deployed to assist, in Port Shepstone, the National Investigation Task Unit, Natal South, which was charged with the investigation into the Shobashobane massacre in the Izingolweni district.

The Special Task Force performed the following services:

• The protection of Director Engelbrecht, Superintendent Moodley and four other officers.
• Making arrests and also protecting investigating officers.

The following members of the Special Task Force were on duty from 1996-02-02 to 1996-06-31 during the Shobashobane investigation:

Protection services: 1996-02-02 to 1996-06-31

Seven Officers' names removed for safety reasons On 18 April 1996 Operation Shobashobane commenced and these tasks were performed by the members of the Special Task Force. The operation ran from 18 to 29 April 1996.   On 29 April 1996 Senior Superintendent Fryer scaled down the assistance to only one team, as well as two members for protecting Director Engelbrecht. The team consisted of the following Special Task Force members: DETECTION TEAM Six officers PROTECTION SERVICES Two officers During Operation Shobashobane the Special Task Force and the investigating officers were assisted by Captain W N, a SAPS pilot flying one BK 117 helicopter, Doctor F and six medical orderlies of 7 Medical Battalion, Pretoria. Sincere thanks is expressed to these persons, and the organizations they represent, for their contribution to the operation. Suspects were arrested by the Special Task Force and investigating officers. The Special Task Force's services and assistance were terminated on 3 June 1996. No difficulties were experienced. Good cooperation was experienced between the various units and other organizations.