Perspectives of a black student and a white policeman during the soweto uprising
White Policeman
On the morning of June 16th I said goodbye to my wife and children, then headed off for another day at work. Little did I know that I would be protecting my country and have to stand up against those of our own nationality. We got a call at the station that there was a mob of students congregating at Orlando West School, protesting against the Afrikaans Medium Decree. Feeling unprepared, I had no idea what we would be facing.
After collecting ammunition, we drove to Orlando West Primary to see the mass of the protesters for the first time. We all felt very much outnumbered, there were thousands of them. We were about 100 metres away before they began to advance. Our commanding officer bellowed at the students, insisting they disperse immediately, also warning them live ammunition would be used. This seemed to have no visible effect on the crowd as they continued their steady pace towards us; I knew I must be ready to use my gun at any moment. They then began to chant, “Down with Afrikaans.” I saw our commanding officer again try to stop the crowd, but again having no effect.
The next thing I heard was the sound of gunshots, and the chilling sound of screams ringing out in the street. I knew I must shoot at those who threatened our country’s safety, though I stood petrified staring at the bloodied bodies that fell, staggering to the ground. The officer next to me brought me out of delusions and back to earth, he said, “Fight! Fight for your country! Fight for your family!” I then knew what to do. I then shot aimlessly into the children, knowing they were suffering, but I knew this was right. Knowing if I did not stop these children my family could be in danger. I felt like we were doing our job, protecting our country.
The crowd was now rapidly dispersing, I also was aware of the children that lay motionlessly on the ground. I knew the hospitals would be filling up hastily, but this is justified by the fact that blacks must learn to live
On the morning of June 16th I said goodbye to my wife and children, then headed off for another day at work. Little did I know that I would be protecting my country and have to stand up against those of our own nationality. We got a call at the station that there was a mob of students congregating at Orlando West School, protesting against the Afrikaans Medium Decree. Feeling unprepared, I had no idea what we would be facing.
After collecting ammunition, we drove to Orlando West Primary to see the mass of the protesters for the first time. We all felt very much outnumbered, there were thousands of them. We were about 100 metres away before they began to advance. Our commanding officer bellowed at the students, insisting they disperse immediately, also warning them live ammunition would be used. This seemed to have no visible effect on the crowd as they continued their steady pace towards us; I knew I must be ready to use my gun at any moment. They then began to chant, “Down with Afrikaans.” I saw our commanding officer again try to stop the crowd, but again having no effect.
The next thing I heard was the sound of gunshots, and the chilling sound of screams ringing out in the street. I knew I must shoot at those who threatened our country’s safety, though I stood petrified staring at the bloodied bodies that fell, staggering to the ground. The officer next to me brought me out of delusions and back to earth, he said, “Fight! Fight for your country! Fight for your family!” I then knew what to do. I then shot aimlessly into the children, knowing they were suffering, but I knew this was right. Knowing if I did not stop these children my family could be in danger. I felt like we were doing our job, protecting our country.
The crowd was now rapidly dispersing, I also was aware of the children that lay motionlessly on the ground. I knew the hospitals would be filling up hastily, but this is justified by the fact that blacks must learn to live