Squad Cars - SA 68-06-29 (1) Oil Drum Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Squad Cars - SA 68-06-29 (1) Oil Drum Case"

Introduction

In the April 30, 2025 episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Squad Cars - SA 68-06-29 (1) Oil Drum Case," listeners are transported to the vibrant streets of Johannesburg during the Golden Age of Radio. This episode delves into a gripping police investigation led by Constables Johnny Wilson and Rittenberg as they unravel the mystery behind a gruesome discovery involving an oil drum. Directed by Colin Fish and produced by David Goodman, this authentic South African police series offers a compelling blend of suspense, character development, and insightful detective work.

Characters

• Constable Johnny Wilson: A diligent and observant police officer, eager to prove himself in his first shift.
• Constable Rittenberg: Wilson's seasoned partner, offering mentorship and experience.
• Lt. Lobos Cockney: A determined detective from the murder squad, leading the investigation.
• Professor Quayle: A brilliant pathologist assisting in the forensic analysis.
• Detective Sergeant Gravett: An associate in the investigation.
• Warrant Officer Britt: Part of the investigative team.
• Jimmy Van: A young boxer implicated in the murder case.
• Mr. William Flory: The victim, whose death sparks the investigation.

Plot Summary

The episode opens with a narrator setting the stage for a true story derived from official South African police case files, anonymizing names and places to protect those involved.

Initial Setup

At 00:40, Constable Johnny Wilson stands at the radio headquarters notice board, scrutinizing the duty roster alongside his new partner, Constable Rittenberg. Their camaraderie is evident as they exchange banter about their roles and previous partners, establishing the foundation for their teamwork.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

At 02:23, the constables report a suspicious vehicle behavior resulting in their pursuit of the occupants along the Rant Airport road. Their initial interaction showcases their professional dynamic and sets the tone for the unfolding investigation.

By 04:22, they encounter an alarming sight: a burning oil drum with what appears to be a human foot inside. Constable Rittenberg describes the scene, stating, "It's a human foot. We've got to put this fire out, boy" (04:40). Their immediate response to extinguish the flames demonstrates their commitment and quick thinking.

Interaction with the Murder Squad

At 06:56, Constables Wilson and Rittenberg connect with Lt. Lobos Cockney from the murder squad. The lieutenant’s deadline presses the urgency of the case as he instructs them to secure the scene: "We've got to stick around. We'll be sending somebody," (07:09) indicating the seriousness of the finding.

Forensic Analysis

The narrative progresses to 09:53am, where Lt. Cockney arrives with his team, including Professor Quayle. Their meticulous examination reveals crucial evidence, such as bullet trajectories and the identification of the victim as a woman with familial ties, as Constable Francis notes, "He was a man of about 35 and 6ft 1 inches tall and weighed almost 200 pounds" (19:22).

Investigative Challenges

Throughout the episode, the detectives grapple with various leads and dead ends. At 16:17, the focus shifts to the analysis of the shirt collar with the inscription "Tunica" (11:40), leading them to identify potential manufacturers and retailers. Their persistent efforts highlight the complexities of forensic investigations during this era.

Breakthrough and Resolution

By 21:35, significant progress is made when the detectives decode the laundry mark "Re 357" as "Re Majestic Hotel" (21:17). This pivotal clue directs them to interview Mr. Flory, the deceased. Their diligent questioning reveals that Jimmy Van, a lightweight boxer, had a motive rooted in robbery and bullying. The climax unfolds with Constable Francis confronting Van, leading to his arrest and eventual confession of the crime at 24:46.

Notable Quotes

• Constable Rittenberg on the unpredictability of police work: "Variety is the spice of life in this job. Last week, Hank and I almost had to deliver a baby in the back seat." (01:39)

• Constable Francis reflecting on the harsh realities of the job: "It's a miracle to me that it wasn't burnt along with the rest." (14:28)

• Professor Quayle on the victim's forensic details: "The deceased was a man of about 35 and 6ft 1 inches tall and weighed almost 200 pounds." (19:22)

• Constable Francis during the arrest of Jimmy Van: "I'm taking you in. What for? On suspicion of having murdered Mr. William Flory on or about the 17th of April." (24:49)

Conclusion

The episode culminates with the successful resolution of the “Oil Drum Case”. Jimmy Van is apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to death, demonstrating the effectiveness and dedication of the South African police force. The closing remarks honor the relentless efforts of the squad cars, highlighting their role in maintaining safety and justice: "These men are on duty 24 hours out of every 24. They face dangers at every turn. Expecting nothing less, they protect the people of South Africa. These are the men of Squad Cars." (26:41)

Key Insights

• Teamwork and Mentorship: The dynamic between Wilson and Rittenberg underscores the importance of experienced mentorship in law enforcement.

• Forensic Science: The detailed forensic work by Professor Quayle illustrates the critical role of scientific analysis in solving crimes.

• Persistence in Investigation: The detectives' relentless pursuit of leads, despite initial setbacks, emphasizes the tenacity required in police work.

• Human Nature and Motivation: The portrayal of Jimmy Van delves into the psychological aspects of criminal behavior, revealing how personal motives drive actions.

Final Thoughts

"Squad Cars - SA 68-06-29 (1) Oil Drum Case" offers an immersive journey into a classic police investigation, blending authentic dialogue, strategic plot development, and rich character interactions. For enthusiasts of Golden Age radio drama and intricate crime stories, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring allure of radio-based storytelling and the timeless fascination with detective narratives.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Squad cars. The story you're about to hear is true. Details are supplied from the official case files by the South African police. Only names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

Johannesburg, April 17, 2pm Constable Johnny Wilson is standing at the notice board in radio headquarters. He is looking at the names on the duty roster. He is particularly concerned with the name that appears alongside his own as the crew member of car 17F.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Rittenberg. Who's Rittenberg?

[Constable Francis]

Fuhrer.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Ah. Cosplay Wilson.

[Constable Francis]

Oh, I wonder what you look like. Pleased to meet you.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Ah, how do you do? What's the F for?

[Constable Francis]

France. They call me Francis. Aha.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Oh, my name's Johnny.

[Constable Francis]

I guess if I just stood around, you'd make yourself known to me.

[Constable Rittenberg]

First shift, eh?

[Constable Francis]

Yeah.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Excited?

[Constable Francis]

Yeah. Been looking forward to this all through police college.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, I remember how it was with me.

[Constable Francis]

What does tootle tin ship like?

[Constable Rittenberg]

How do you mean?

[Constable Francis]

A lot of action?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Ah, sometimes. Depends. One thing I can promise you you won't be bored.

[Constable Francis]

Do you get called to murders and things?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Sometimes. Variety is the spice of life in this job. Last week, Hank and I almost had to deliver a baby in the back seat.

[Constable Francis]

Hank?

[Constable Rittenberg]

My ex partner.

[Constable Francis]

What happened to him? Did he get hurt?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Oh, no, no, no. He's been transferred. His father died and his mother's an infilt. They live at Reutersburg in the free state. Farming people. Hank didn't like the idea of his mother being alone. Well, she just couldn't be too ill, so he requested a transfer.

[Constable Francis]

Were you together long?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Nearly a year.

[Constable Francis]

You'll miss him.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah. Get used to people.

[Constable Francis]

Is he a good policeman?

[Constable Rittenberg]

One of the best.

[Constable Francis]

He's going to be hard to live up to.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Ah, you'll be all right.

[Constable Francis]

Come on. Where are we going?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Well, we must start the shift with a full tank of petrol. Check the oil and water too.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

8.50Pm Constables Wilson and Rickenberg have pursued a vehicle, the occupants of which were behaving in a suspicious manner and are returning to the central area via the Rant Airport road.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Poor bloke got the shock of his life.

[Constable Francis]

Serves him right. It obviously wasn't his wife.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Obviously.

[Constable Francis]

I'll bet he thought we were the woman's husband.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Well, he was a bit pale around the gills, wasn't he?

[Constable Francis]

White as a sheet. I don't know how people could be like that.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Ah, you're young. You'll learn a lot of things before you're much older.

[Constable Francis]

Yeah, I suppose so. Hey, what's that light over there?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Where?

[Constable Francis]

Over there in the Veldt.

[Constable Rittenberg]

They must be burning grass.

[Constable Francis]

Can't be too early. Besides, it's only in one place.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Probably a night watchman who's lit a fire to keep warm.

[Constable Francis]

That's open felt. What would a watchman be doing out there? And it's not cold enough for a fire.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Not bad. You've learned a lot at the college, eh?

[Constable Francis]

I think we should go and take a look.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, okay. Be able to see that fire for miles.

[Constable Francis]

Yeah. I wonder what's burning. Too big a fire for wood or grass.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, looks more like a chemical fire. Plastics or petrol.

[Constable Francis]

We'll soon see.

[Constable Rittenberg]

There's a gate over there which somebody has left open.

[Constable Francis]

Mind. There's something that's wrong. I'll watch it. It's a fire in an oil drum.

[Constable Rittenberg]

It's enormous turn.

[Constable Francis]

It's not parked too close. May explode or something.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, and we don't want the car catching fire. We'd have a tough time explaining that in a report.

[Constable Francis]

Leave a love for a thought.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, but it won't last long. Petrol fire.

[Constable Francis]

Can you see in?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Not properly. Now there's something in there.

[Constable Francis]

Yeah, looks like. Looks like a bundle of old rags or something.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah. Hang on a sec. Come and look from here. Look at that. What do you make of it?

[Narrator]

It's.

[Constable Francis]

It's a foot.

[Constable Rittenberg]

A human foot. We've got to put this fire out, boy. Oh, well, I'll push the drum over for a start.

[Constable Francis]

You'll get burnt, man.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Not if I crouch down. Hamburger is hot. A good hard shove with my foot is all that's needed.

[Constable Francis]

Nice work, Johnny.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Now come and help me put the fire out.

[Constable Francis]

What with?

[Constable Rittenberg]

We'll scratch up some sand and gravel. We shouldn't have much trouble now that.

[Constable Francis]

I've turned it over.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Now. That's it. Now get a pile of stuff together and we'll throw it in. When we've got enough, smother the flames.

[Constable Francis]

Okay. Ready? Ready.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Right. Great. And where's your torch? Front.

[Constable Francis]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Let's have a look. Dear heaven. Oh, poor devil.

[Constable Francis]

European or non European?

[Constable Rittenberg]

European, man.

[Constable Francis]

Gee, it's horrible, eh?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah. I've seen some things, but never one like this before.

[Constable Francis]

Body can't have been in the drum long.

[Constable Rittenberg]

It's not long since we drove past here going up the road towards the racecourse.

[Constable Francis]

They must have been doing it. Putting the body in the drum. I mean, when we drove past.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, well, help me tip it up.

[Constable Francis]

It's hot, man.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, it's too hot to handle. Better report what we found. I'll go and talk to Control, France, you have a look around, okay?

[Constable Francis]

Sony.

[Constable Rittenberg]

And just be careful not to disturb any prints, eh?

[Constable Francis]

Okay.

[Constable Rittenberg]

17 to Control. Car 17 to Control. Come in, Control. Over.

[Narrator]

Go ahead 17, over.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Reporting the discovery of a European body being burnt in an oil drum. Location the felt on the left hand side of the Rond Airport road coming out of town. It's about a mile from the Heidelberg road. Over.

[Narrator]

Stay where you are and await further instructions.

[Constable Francis]

Over and out. What did they say?

[Constable Rittenberg]

We've got to stick around.

[Constable Francis]

We'll be sending somebody, eh?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, that's right.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Well, it'll be somebody from the murder squad in Brixton. Probably Lt. Lobascockney.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

9:53Pm Lt. Lobos Cockney, having been called away from a drive in movie, arrives at the scene of the gruesome discovery.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Good evening, sir, Constable. Constables Wilson and Wittenberg, sir.

[Constable Francis]

Good evening, Constable. Sir. Where is it?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Over here, sir. As soon as the drum was cool enough, sir, we tipped it out.

[Constable Francis]

Oh, fine. Not the prettiest corpse I ever saw. Couldn't have been burning long before you found it.

[Constable Rittenberg]

No, sir. That's what we figured.

[Constable Francis]

It was you who put the fire out, eh?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yes, sir.

[Constable Francis]

Nice work.

[Constable Rittenberg]

But how on earth will you find anything to help you among this lot, sir?

[Constable Francis]

I don't know. I'm just looking. Seems like a pathologist's nightmare. They've had worse than this though.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Really, sir?

[Constable Francis]

Oh yes. Did you find anything?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Well, Constable Rittenberg found some footprints and tie marks.

[Constable Francis]

Where are they, Constable? Over here, sir. Yeah, this is where they parked the car. Just give me your torch, please. Here you are, sir. Thank you. Two sets of prints, eh? Yes, sir. Man and woman. European or non European? I don't know, sir. Neither do I. Teasing you. Yes, sir.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yes, sir.

[Constable Francis]

A pretty business for a woman to be involved in, isn't it, Constable? Yes, sir. War will have those photographs, those prints and the tire marks. And I'll have members of my staff makers past the cast of them in the morning. There's not much I can do here tonight in the morning that Dominic's contents will be properly cool. They'll be likely working too. I'll arrange for you two to be relieved. Good night.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Good night, Sir.

[Constable Francis]

Not so.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

April 17, 8:10am Lt. Turk Club Wockney has returned to where the body in the oil drum was discovered along with various members of his staff. While photographs and plaster casts are being taken, Lieutenant Lopis, Cockney and Warrant Officer Britt are sieving the ash from the drum and the dust in the immediate vicinity.

[Constable Francis]

Yeah, there Won't be much in this lot. No, sir. What time is the district coroner coming?

[Narrator]

He should have been here by now.

[Constable Francis]

I've got all of Professor Coyote's helpers before.

[Narrator]

Yes, I remember the professor, sir.

[Constable Francis]

Oh, he did a fantastic job reconstructing that skeleton we found there as well.

[Narrator]

Yeah, amazing.

[Constable Francis]

He was able to tell us that it was the skeleton of a woman. A woman who'd had at least three children and men.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but what staggered me was the way he figured out the angle of the shots that killed her.

[Constable Francis]

Ah, he's something of a genius, the professor.

[Narrator]

Nice chap, too. Nice sense of humor.

[Constable Francis]

Hang on a sec.

[Narrator]

What's that buckle, sir?

[Constable Francis]

Put it out. There you are, sir. Stick it in this envelope. Shouldn't think that'll tell us much, but you never know. Sif.

[Narrator]

Some more, sir?

[Constable Francis]

Yes. Oh, there are some mugs about. Imagine getting involved in something like this. Oh, there's no accounting for human nature. Sorry, sir.

[Narrator]

Just a minute. What this, sir?

[Constable Francis]

What is it?

[Narrator]

Piece of charred material.

[Constable Francis]

Let's have a look. Ah, this is handy. What do you make of it, sir? Well, it's a piece of shirt. An important piece too, as far as we're concerned. It's the band of the collar, the piece with the label. Can you make this out?

[Narrator]

T, U, N, I, C, A.

[Constable Francis]

Well, how's your Latin?

[Narrator]

Oh, non existent.

[Constable Francis]

Well, that's Latin for a shirt. Tunica. Ever heard of that make before?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

No.

[Constable Francis]

Well, neither have I.

[Narrator]

There's a bit of a number here stamped on.

[Constable Francis]

Oh, yes. Re 35. Is that a 7?

[Narrator]

I think so.

[Constable Francis]

It must be a laundry mark. Well, if it is, we won't have much difficulty in identifying the victim. Shouldn't be difficult after that.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

9:57Am Lt. Cockney and Warrant Officer Britt have finished sieving the ash and dust in the vicinity of the Oil Drum. They have been joined by Professor Quayle from the Department of Pathology.

[Constable Francis]

You've met Professor Quail, haven't you?

[Narrator]

Yes, Sir.

[Constable Francis]

Are you Mr. Breed?

[Narrator]

In myself, sir. No complaints. But you've got a bit of a.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Puzzle on your hands, eh?

[Narrator]

That's about the size of it.

[Constable Francis]

We've got enough to help us, I think, professor, but you've got a king size headache coming your way.

[Narrator]

Establishing cause of death, eh?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Yes, well, we've had worse than this.

[Narrator]

What about the skeleton in the well?

[Constable Francis]

I was only speaking to Warrant Officer Breed about that earlier.

[Narrator]

I should think this one will be easier.

[Constable Francis]

Well, I wish you luck with it. The District Surgeon's been and gone, sir. This is his report?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Yes.

[Narrator]

The good doctor thinks he's found a.

[Constable Francis]

Bullet hole in the skull. Have a look.

[Narrator]

Funny place for a bullet wound. Right on top of the head.

[Constable Francis]

I judge the angle of entry yet.

[Narrator]

But I dare say we'll get all.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

That in the lab later.

[Narrator]

Let's have another look here. Wore false teeth. Offset missing job of somebody.

[Constable Francis]

Here. What's that?

[Narrator]

Hawking this jawbone around the dentist in Jeppy Street.

[Constable Francis]

That'll be me, sir.

[Narrator]

Got the feet for it. What do you manage to find?

[Constable Francis]

Well, there's my list. Here we are. Seven brass eyelets from shoes or boots. Two shoelace ends. One zip. It's about the length of a zip used in a man's trousers. Four buttons. Badly burned, they could be of the victim's trousers. Three what could have been shirt buttons. And there's a buckle, presumably of a belt and a piece of shirt collar.

[Narrator]

That's our best clue. It's a miracle to me that it wasn't burnt along with the rest.

[Constable Francis]

I'll be thinking about that. Very simple, really might be to you, sir. Imagine yourself all squashed up in an oil dump. If you'd been forced in, the parts of you which would be pressed against the sides would be the soles of your feet, your knees and your back, including the upper portion of your spine. Now, anything pressed between you and the sides of the drum would stand a chance of surviving the flames.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

Mmm.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Constable Francis]

That's how we come to have that piece of the shirt's neck band and collar.

[Narrator]

Is it going to help you much?

[Constable Francis]

Well, I'm counting on it, Professor.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

And I wish you luck. The next day, 8:53am Major Monroe's office at Murder Squad headquarters, Brixton. A council of war is being held to discuss what is already known as.

[Narrator]

The Oil Drum Murder. Right. Now, just so that we're all in the picture, I've had Professor Quayle on the phone this morning. A preliminary report on his examination of the body. He's found another bullet hole. In fact, two more to add to the one found by the district coroner. The one the coroner found was caused by a bullet entering the skull on the left side at an oblique angle. Professor Quayle has recovered the bullet. It's been sent to Ballistics. We should have a report from them sometime today. The other two holes the professor found were the entrance and exit of another shot. This one entered the brain just above the right ear and it came out in the left cheek, just below the cheekbone. The trajectory was downwards, which suggests that the shot was fired from above the deceased?

[Constable Francis]

Probably while he was sitting down, sir. Yes, There was a car involved. I wonder if he was shot in the car.

[Narrator]

Another question to be answered. Now we have three things requiring some hard, routine work. There's some real slogging to be done in this one. There's what appears to be a lawned remark on the shirt collar. Someone has to check that. There's the maker shirt. And closer scrutiny in the lab has revealed what could be a manufacturer's serial number. Investigation may lead us to a retailer and luck might help us find a customer. You never know. Anyway, it has to be checked. And that's number one. Number two is the laundry mark, or what appears to be the laundry mark. And thirdly, there's the jawbone and the false teeth. That's my job, sir.

[Constable Francis]

Is it?

[Narrator]

I've done Jeppy street from end to end. The forcer, they know me. It might make things easier. Okay. What about you, Lieutenant?

[Constable Francis]

Oh, well, if it's all right with you, sir, I'll take the make and the manufacturer's serial number.

[Narrator]

Right. And I'll put another man on dry cleaners and laundries. Report back to me as soon as you find anything.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

During the week that follows, the three detectives are kept busy. Continuously driving, walking, questioning.

[Constable Francis]

Good morning. I'm a police officer. Here are my credentials as a wholesaler. Perhaps you'll be able to help me. I'm trying to find the manufacturer or the agent for Tunica Shirts.

[Narrator]

Good morning, Doctor. It's me again. I wonder if I may have a.

[Constable Francis]

Word with your mechanic.

[Narrator]

Oh, not one of yours, eh?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Good afternoon. I have here a photograph of a portion of shirt bearing what could be a laundry mark.

[Narrator]

Gee, pounding Jeffy street hasn't half made my corns complaints. Morning, gentlemen.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Good morning.

[Narrator]

Morning, sir. I've just been in with the brigadier. He's wanting to know how they're getting on with the oil drum under investigation. Well, how are we getting on? What a novice appears. If there's a dentist I haven't met in Jeffy street, sir, then he's only started his practice. During the past 10 years, I've walked from one end of Jeffy street to the other. I've interviewed every dental mechanic in the business. I've even been to the dental hospital at this. Nothing. Detective Sergeant Gravett.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Same with me, sir. Not one of the laundries or dry cleaners around Joburg has ever seen the laundry mark I showed him.

[Narrator]

Not very promising, is it? Lieutenant Lovis Cockney.

[Constable Francis]

Well, I was a donor blank, sir, but I picked up something which leads me to believe that the deceased might be an immigrant.

[Narrator]

And what's that?

[Constable Francis]

Well, Tanuka shirts aren't sold in South Africa. They're manufactured in Britain and the manufacturers aren't represented here. There's no agent handing him.

[Narrator]

Well, it doesn't necessarily follow he's an immigrant. He could be a South African citizen who's been overseas and bought the shirt while he was over there.

[Constable Francis]

Yes, that's also possible.

[Narrator]

Well, we're not getting very far.

[Constable Francis]

Anything more from Professor Coyle, sir?

[Narrator]

Yes. He says the deceased was a man of about 35 and 6ft 1 inches tall and weighed almost 200 pounds.

[Constable Francis]

Big boy.

[Narrator]

Yes. There's also the ballistics report from the Criminal Bureau about the bullet Professor Quail removed from the skull of the deceased. It's a 22 long rifle ammunition fiorme, made in Finland.

[Constable Francis]

Well, it's another lead.

[Narrator]

A slim one there.

[Constable Francis]

Right.

[Narrator]

Who's going to take it? Well, I'm free now, sir. All right. What's your next move, Lieutenant?

[Constable Francis]

Well, this is not a reflection on Detective Sergeant Gravett, sir, but I'm very disappointed in the result of his intention at Dry Cleaves and Laundries. Who did you talk to, Sergeant?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Managers and owners mostly.

[Constable Francis]

I thought so. Owners don't know what's going on in their own businesses. I think we'll go out again, you nice sergeant. This time we'll talk to the people actually concerned with the marking of garments.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Right, sir.

[Narrator]

Do you want me to get you some?

[Constable Francis]

Get me some What?

[Narrator]

Corn blasters.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

Eight days later, 2:50pm Lieutenant Laboscockney and Detective Sergeant Gravitt are visiting a steam laundry, the renowned steam laundry in Commissioner Street East. They're talking to a woman worker concerned with laundry marks.

[Constable Francis]

Notice in this photograph.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Yes.

[Constable Francis]

Does that mean anything to you? Re 357. Yeah, it does. What?

[Constable Rittenberg]

That's one of ours.

[Constable Francis]

Are you sure?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Positive.

[Constable Francis]

Who did you put it in for?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Shouldn't be difficult to find that. Just hang on a sec. Yes, here we are, you see? Yes.

[Constable Francis]

Re Majestic Hotel. This is fabulous. But what do the numbers stand for?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Easy. His room number.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Number 57.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

3:23Pm Armed with that information, the two policemen drive to the Majestic Hotel and interview the manager.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Yes.

[Constable Francis]

Well, I want to know who's occupied that room lately.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

How recently?

[Constable Francis]

Probably in the last three weeks.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

Three weeks?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Let me see. There's a Mr. Brownlow in there at the moment. Before him there was Mr. Flory. He'd be here about that time.

[Constable Francis]

Where is he now?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

He's away at the moment.

[Constable Francis]

You mean he's coming back?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

That's what he said. He left his things there in the baggage room.

[Constable Francis]

What does this Mr. Florey do?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

He's a salesman.

[Constable Francis]

Where is he?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

In the country somewhere. Traveling around, you know.

[Constable Francis]

Is he out from England by any chance?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Yes, Came here to settle.

[Constable Francis]

I think I'd better have a look at his things.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

I don't know about that.

[Constable Francis]

I've reason to believe that Mr. Florey is dead.

[Narrator]

Oh, I see.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

It's just through here.

[Constable Francis]

Has Mr. Florey stayed here long?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

About five or six weeks. Before he went away, that is. Stuff's in here.

[Constable Francis]

Ah, thanks.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

That trunk and these two suitcases.

[Constable Francis]

Right. Now let's have a look.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Got your own keys, huh?

[Constable Francis]

It's something I picked up in the boy scouts. Did Mr. Flory have any friends?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

He's a very lively sort. He was always in company.

[Constable Francis]

Did he knock about with anybody in particular?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Yes, a young boxer called Jimmy Ban.

[Constable Francis]

Where do I find him?

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Easy. He's in here. Every night.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

The evening of May 7, 6:35pm Lt. Labus, Cockney and Warrant Officer Britt are sitting unobtrusively in the hotel foyer.

[Constable Francis]

Hello, Eric.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

Good evening, Jimmy.

[Constable Rittenberg]

I've got a table for dinner.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

How many?

[Constable Rittenberg]

Just me and the dog.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

Come on.

[Constable Francis]

Warrant Officer.

[Narrator]

Right, sir.

[Lieutenant Lobos Cockney]

What time?

[Constable Francis]

Oh, about ten past seven, Mr. Jimmy. Ben.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah, that's all right.

[Constable Francis]

I'm a police officer. I'd like a word with you.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Huh? What about?

[Constable Francis]

Frisky? Mr. Britt.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Right, sir. Now look here. I'll stick you out if you touch me.

[Constable Francis]

You start any trouble. I'll finish it. Stand still.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Lousy cops.

[Constable Francis]

Hello.

[Narrator]

What's this?

[Constable Rittenberg]

It's a revolver. What does it look like?

[Constable Francis]

I hear you're handy with your fists.

[Constable Rittenberg]

I do all right.

[Constable Francis]

And what does a tough youngster like you want to do with firearms? They come too big for you sometimes. I should think a tall tub weighing about 200 pounds could take you. All right.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Constable Francis]

A cobra tutu. I'm taking you in. What for? On suspicion of having murdered Mr. William Flory on or about the 17th of April.

[Constable Rittenberg]

You're going to have a hard time making a charge like that stick.

[Constable Francis]

I don't think so. It depends.

[Constable Rittenberg]

Yeah?

[Constable Francis]

On whether our ballistic staff can match the bullet found in Flory's brain with this gun.

[Constable Rittenberg]

And what if they can?

[Constable Francis]

Then they'll hang you, my boy.

[Constable Johnny Wilson]

When it was pointed out to Jimmy Van that the police might have enough evidence on which to convict him, the tough facade fell away. Revealing a small time thug and bully. The motive behind William Florida's death was robbery. Van had driven Claudia out of town with the intention of beating and robbing him. But Van's weight was against him. He used to box as a lightweight at 134lbs. Fitted against Florida's 200lbs. Bullying with his fists proved ineffective. Florida was too much for him. He pretended to make it up with Florrie and then shot him as he sat in the car. Florrie was so big and strong, though, that the shots behind his ear didn't kill him. In fact, he dragged himself from the car and was going for Ban when he collapsed. Van then shot him in the top of the head. How much did he get? 63 runs, a poultry figure which cost Jimmy Ban his life. But he was brought to trial, sentenced to death and hanged at Pretoria Central Prison.

[Narrator]

They prowl the empty streets at night, waiting in fast cars on foot, living with crime and violence. These men are on duty 24 hours out of every 24. They face dangers at every turn. Expecting nothing less, they protect the people of South Africa. These are the men of Squad Cars. Listen again next Friday evening to another dramatic story in our authentic South African police series, Squad Cars. Squad Cars is directed by Colin Fish and produced by David Goodman.