Squad Cars - SA 68-08-04 (x) His Hobby

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Squad Cars - SA 68-08-04 (x) His Hobby
Release Date: May 4, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a meticulously crafted South African police drama titled "Squad Cars - SA 68-08-04 (x) His Hobby." Set against the backdrop of Johannesburg's Hillbrow area in the late 1960s, the story weaves a tale of duty, deception, and redemption as Constables Mayber and MacDonald navigate the treacherous waters of crime and personal turmoil.

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The Patrol and the Chase

The episode opens with the Narrator setting the scene:

"[00:17] Narrator: Squad cars. The story you're about to hear is true. Details are supplied from official case files by the South African police. Only names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved."

Constables Mayber and MacDonald patrol the Hillbrow area, engaging in light-hearted banter that subtly reveals their camaraderie and the societal tensions of the era.

"[00:59] Constable Mayber: The hippies are waving to you, Pitt. Friends of yours?"
"[01:06] Constable MacDonald: They're a dirty lot. They'd all look a lot better if they took a bath now and again. And cut their hair."

Their conversation showcases not only their professional duties but also their personal opinions, hinting at underlying social dynamics.

At [02:22], the tension escalates as the duo spots a speeding vehicle:

"[02:20] Constable MacDonald: Wonder what his case is."

Deciding to pull the driver over, they embark on a high-stakes pursuit through the city's intricate streets, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement.

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The Arrest of Lieutenant Anderson

The chase culminates when the speeding car turns into a dead-end street on St. Patrick Road. The driver, later identified as Lieutenant Anderson (also referred to as David Beddington), exhibits erratic behavior and admits to being slightly inebriated.

"[05:20] Constable MacDonald: He's drunk."
"[05:20] Lieutenant Anderson: I am not. For your information, I'm slightly inebriated."

Their interaction reveals Anderson's distress and desperation, providing a glimpse into his personal struggles.

The arrest proceeds smoothly until a pivotal discovery in Anderson's jacket:

"[10:55] Lieutenant Anderson: Hey, hey, you can't have that. That's my good luck."
"[11:07] Lieutenant Anderson: Yes, it's part of my little hobby."

An uncut diamond is found, shifting the narrative from a routine traffic stop to a deeper investigation into illicit activities.

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Investigation and Unraveling the Truth

The Sergeant becomes involved, questioning Anderson about the diamond and uncovering inconsistencies in his story. Anderson's claims of finding the diamond in a river near Bloemfontein are met with skepticism.

"[12:13] Lieutenant Anderson: It's money for my expenses while I'm in Joburg."
"[13:03] Lieutenant Anderson: Yes."
"[12:50] Sergeant: You just found the one."

As the investigation intensifies, Anderson's facade begins to crumble, revealing his involvement with the IDB (International Diamond Business) gang.

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Confrontation with Diana Beddington

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Anderson's wife, Diana Beddington, who confronts him about his clandestine activities:

"[16:32] Diana Beddington: What do you do there?"
"[17:10] Diana Beddington: Diamonds."
"[17:18] Constable Mayber: Dave."

Diana's insistence and emotional pleas force Anderson to acknowledge his double life, showcasing the personal cost of his criminal endeavors.

"[18:28] Diana Beddington: Unless you tell your IDB pals that you won't run any more diamonds across the border for them. I'm going. And I'm taking Nicky with me."

This confrontation serves as the catalyst for Anderson's eventual cooperation with the police, highlighting themes of redemption and familial bonds.

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Turning State Witness

Faced with mounting pressure from both his wife and the police, Anderson agrees to become a state witness against the IDB gang.

"[21:52] Sergeant: Well, if we round up the whole gang, what can they do?"

His decision is fraught with peril, as the gang's influence and reach pose significant threats to his safety and that of his family.

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The Final Sting and Arrest of the Gang

The episode culminates in a meticulously planned sting operation at the Massero border post and later at a private house in Tabanchu. With Anderson's insider information, police successfully apprehend key members of the IDB gang.

"[24:05] David Beddington: Come on, Terry, let's get out of here."
"[24:10] Lieutenant Anderson: Mr. Yanson."

The operation's execution is praised for its effectiveness, leading to the conviction of several gang members and securing Anderson's and Diana's safety.

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Conclusion and Reflections

The Narrator wraps up the story by reflecting on the dedication and bravery of the squad cars:

"[25:32] Narrator: 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."

The episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers who safeguard their communities against the ever-present threat of crime.

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Notable Quotes

• Constable MacDonald on Hippies:
  "[01:06] 'They're a dirty lot. They'd all look a lot better if they took a bath now and again. And cut their hair.'"

• Lieutenant Anderson's Desperation:
  "[05:26] 'I wasn't taking any chances.'"

• Diana Beddington's Ultimatum:
  "[18:45] 'Unless you tell your IDB pals that you won't run any more diamonds across the border for them. I'm going. And I'm taking Nicky with me.'"

• Sergeant on Squad Cars:
  "[25:32] '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.'"

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Final Thoughts

"Squad Cars - SA 68-08-04 (x) His Hobby" is a masterful blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, capturing the essence of old-time radio storytelling. Through its vivid characters and intricate plot, the episode underscores the complexities of law enforcement and the personal sacrifices made by those who serve. Whether you're a fan of classic radio dramas or new to the genre, this episode offers a compelling narrative that resonates with timeless themes of duty, integrity, and the quest for redemption.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Squad cars. The story you're about to hear is true. Details are supplied from official case files by the South African police. Only names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved. Johannesburg, April 10, 9:17pm A police patrol car is prowling the Hillbrow area. The occupants are constables Mayber and MacDonald.

[Constable Mayber]

The hippies are waving to you, Pitt. Friends of yours?

[Constable MacDonald]

Oh, they always wave.

[Constable Mayber]

What do you think of them?

[Constable MacDonald]

They're a dirty lot. They'd all look a lot better if they took a bath now and again. And cut their hair.

[Constable Mayber]

It's funny.

[Sergeant]

Yeah.

[Constable Mayber]

They don't give us much trouble.

[Narrator]

True.

[Constable MacDonald]

You know, I often look at them and wonder how they'd shape on the farm.

[Constable Mayber]

Yeah, Might do them a lot of good. See that?

[Constable MacDonald]

He's in a hurry.

[Constable Mayber]

Shut up. Claim Street.

[Constable MacDonald]

Let's go and take a look.

[Constable Mayber]

You can't go up there.

[Constable Pitt]

It's a one way street.

[Constable MacDonald]

No, I should up twist and try and get onto him in Kotzer Street.

[Sergeant]

Hold tight.

[Constable Pitt]

Been a quiet night so far.

[Constable MacDonald]

It always is midweek. It's Friday and Saturday the fun and games start.

[Constable Pitt]

Everybody seems to be wanting a party on the weekends.

[Constable MacDonald]

Right, left into Claim Street. Can you see him?

[Constable Pitt]

67 Delta, wasn't it?

[Constable MacDonald]

Yeah.

[Constable Pitt]

No. Hang on a sec. Yes, he slowed down for their robot. Down the bottom there by Caroline Street.

[Constable MacDonald]

Right. Keep a sharp lookout.

[Constable Pitt]

You drive well, Pitt.

[Constable MacDonald]

Thanks.

[Constable Pitt]

There he goes. Straight down. Still in a hurry too.

[Constable MacDonald]

Wonder what his case is.

[Constable Pitt]

Let's pull him over and find out.

[Constable MacDonald]

Straight through that red light.

[Constable Pitt]

Careful, Pitt.

[Constable MacDonald]

I'm watching it.

[Constable Pitt]

Seems to be heading for Louis.

[Constable Mayber]

Both Aven.

[Constable MacDonald]

Should be interesting. You'll think he's on a racetrack.

[Constable Pitt]

Lights green. You can go get around the corner. You should be able to see him.

[Constable MacDonald]

You think he knows we're on to him?

[Constable Pitt]

Don't know yet. There he is. Going like a rocket.

[Constable MacDonald]

Right, my beauty.

[Constable Pitt]

He's turning off to the left.

[Constable MacDonald]

What street's that?

[Constable Pitt]

Elm Street. Watch it. There's a robot.

[Constable MacDonald]

Where does Elm street go?

[Constable Pitt]

Munro Drive down to Alton.

[Constable MacDonald]

No chance of cutting him off.

[Constable Pitt]

You'll just have to sit on his tail. He'll have to slow down for Monroe Drive. It's not a road you can negotiate at speed. There's that hairpin bend halfway down.

[Constable MacDonald]

Yeah, I remember it. He'll write himself off if he doesn't slow down.

[Constable Pitt]

There he is.

[Constable MacDonald]

I'm gaining on him.

[Constable Pitt]

Flashing with your lights. There's only one man in the car.

[Constable MacDonald]

Yeah, seems to be. He knows we're following him. Look at him go.

[Constable Pitt]

Full.

[Constable Mayber]

See that bunt?

[Constable MacDonald]

The curb.

[Constable Pitt]

He's turning right.

[Constable MacDonald]

So are we.

[Narrator]

We?

[Sergeant]

What street's this?

[Constable Pitt]

St. Patrick Road. We've got him.

[Constable MacDonald]

Why?

[Constable Pitt]

It's a dead end.

[David Beddington]

Sure?

[Narrator]

Positive.

[Constable MacDonald]

Yes. He's slowing down.

[Constable Pitt]

Don't give him a chance to turn around.

[Constable MacDonald]

I won't. He's going up that drive.

[Constable Mayber]

No, no.

[Constable Pitt]

He stopped. He thinks he's going to turn around.

[Constable MacDonald]

Okay, we'll park right across his rear bumper.

[Constable Pitt]

Careful, Pit. He's reckless.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

There.

[Constable MacDonald]

He's all yours.

[Constable Mayber]

Thanks. What's your hurry?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

There was somebody chasing me.

[Constable Mayber]

It was us. Where's the fire?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I haven't done anything. You'd run through if you saw that somebody was chasing you.

[Constable Mayber]

If you thought somebody was playing the fool, you could have pulled over and let them pass.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I wasn't taking any chances.

[Constable Mayber]

Not much. You weren't. Lucky you're still alive the way you've been driving. Is this your car?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes.

[Constable Mayber]

Show me the keys.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

There you are.

[Constable Mayber]

What's the registration number of this car?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Just a minute. Don't fluster me. Registration number? I know it as well as my own name.

[Constable Mayber]

You sure you didn't pick it up for a joyride?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No, no, it's mine.

[Constable Mayber]

Where do you live?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

In the Free State.

[Constable Mayber]

Whereabouts in the Free State?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Lutzville, near Bloemfontein.

[Constable Mayber]

What are you doing in Joburg?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Well, I came up for the round Easter show. I gotta keep abreast of developments.

[Constable Mayber]

You don't look like a farmer.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

You don't look like a policeman.

[Constable MacDonald]

He's drunk.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I am not. For your information, I'm slightly inebriated.

[Constable Mayber]

In celebrating?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No, I've been drowning my sorrows. Gotta go home at the end of the week and I don't want to go home.

[Constable Mayber]

Why not?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Wouldn't you like to know.

[Constable Mayber]

Come on, man, pull yourself together. What's your name?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Barrington.

[Constable Mayber]

First name?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

David.

[Constable Mayber]

What's the registration number of this car?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

OLV394.

[Constable Mayber]

Well, it's his, all right.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I told you.

[Constable Mayber]

Quiet, man. You'll wake the street.

[Constable MacDonald]

What are we going to do with him?

[Constable Mayber]

He's not fit to drive, that's for sure.

[Constable MacDonald]

We going to take him in?

[Constable Mayber]

Yes, I think we're better. For his own good. This state is a danger to himself as well as other drivers.

[Constable MacDonald]

Okay, move over.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Mr. Berrington, I'm driving.

[Constable Mayber]

Not anymore. Move over.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Do you think you can drive this car?

[Constable Mayber]

Move over and I'll show you.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Okay, but Diana's not gonna like this, you know.

[Constable Mayber]

Who's Diana?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

That's my wife. She gives Me a hard time.

[Constable Mayber]

I bet it's nothing compared with the time you give her.

[Constable MacDonald]

Should we take him to Hospital Hill? Yeah, okay. I'll see you there.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Hey, what's Hospital Hill?

[Constable Mayber]

It's a local police station.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Am I in trouble?

[Constable Mayber]

No bits.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Diana's not gonna like this. I promised I'd keep out of trouble. I gave her my word of honor. That's the only reason she let me come to Joburg. It's automatic. Can you manage it?

[Constable Mayber]

I think so. What do you farm?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Mealies and cattle. When the drought will let me.

[Constable Mayber]

It's hit you hard, has it?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

It's hit everybody hard. The Prime Minister said that it was one of the worst catastrophes to hit this country. Very concerned about it couldn't have hit you that badly. What are you talking about? All my cattle died, didn't they?

[Constable Mayber]

You're brand new car. You've got money enough to come up to Joburg for a week.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Ah, that's my little hobby.

[Constable Mayber]

What's that?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Wouldn't you like to know, eh?

[Constable Mayber]

So you've got another source of income besides farming?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I didn't say that.

[Constable Mayber]

Not in so many words.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

It so happens that I have a father in law who's rather well to do. Not short of a bob or two. Isn't Redfear's Llewellyn. It was Redfer's Llewellyn who set me up on condition that I looked after Diana properly.

[Constable Mayber]

And do you?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Well, it's a battle, let me tell you. A very difficult girl. Highly strung. Worries about. Worries about all of us.

[Constable Mayber]

Why?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Because of my little hobby.

[Constable Mayber]

I think we'd better let your wife know what's happened to you.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh no, no. Mustn't do that. She'll never let me go off without her again. I had the devil's own job getting away. I don't want to ruin everything.

[Constable Mayber]

You should have thought of that before you got tanked up like this. Yeah.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What's going to happen to me?

[Constable Mayber]

Well, you'll spend as our guest and in the morning you may pay an admission of guilt. Then you can be on your way. Got any money?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Plenty. Plenty. Just a minute. Let me show you. How about that, eh?

[Constable Mayber]

See, you're lucky you still got that. That's the biggest roll of notes I ever saw. How much is that?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I don't know. I haven't counted it lately.

[Narrator]

9:45Pm Pillbrough Police Station. Constables Maybach and MacDonald are watching the serge on duty. Take charge of David Beddington's things before locking him up for the night.

[Sergeant]

Give me your time.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

When will I get it back?

[Sergeant]

You get everything back in the morning.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Then why can't I keep it?

[Sergeant]

Regulations.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Regulations.

[Sergeant]

And your belt, please. My belt and keys.

[Constable Mayber]

These are his sergeant keys. Various five. Any pens?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

One pen.

[Sergeant]

Your wallet.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Wallet.

[Sergeant]

And the money in your possession.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Hey, are you sure I'm gonna get all this back?

[Sergeant]

Everything goes in this canvas bag. And you get a receipt for it.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yeah, but who gets the canvas bag?

[Sergeant]

It goes into the station's safe.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Okay. I got lots of money. Big roll, haven't I, Constable?

[Constable Mayber]

That's for sure. Here you are.

[Sergeant]

Garlic.

[Constable Mayber]

Constable. Right, Sergeant. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100. 10, 20, 30, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, one hundred and one, two, three, four, five, six, tens, 260 runtime. And there's two Ront, 22 and 3, 4, 5, 27 cents. 262 Ront. And 27 cents. 262, 27.

[Sergeant]

That's a lot of money.

[Constable Mayber]

It's income from what he calls his hobby.

[Sergeant]

What's that?

[Constable Mayber]

He's not telling.

[Sergeant]

It's probably the horses.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No, no, it's not the horses. You're not even warm.

[Sergeant]

I'm not in the mood for games.

[Constable Mayber]

Frisk and Constable. All right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant]

Is that the lot?

[Constable Mayber]

No. Sergeant. Just a minute. Something in the match pocket of his jacket.

[Sergeant]

Now pull it out.

[Constable Mayber]

Let's have a look.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Hey, hey, you can't have that. That's my good luck.

[Constable Mayber]

Here we are. Let's see. What is it? It's an uncut diamond, Sergeant.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes, it's part of my little ho.

[Narrator]

April 11, 9:05am Having been called from the Witbartersrand Divisional Headquarters, Lt. Anderson of the diamond and Gold staff is interviewing David Beddington in an office at the Hillbrow police Station.

[Sergeant]

Got a hangover?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes.

[Sergeant]

From all accounts you deserve one. You're a free stater.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yeah, I am now.

[Sergeant]

How long have you been farming?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Ever since I've gotten married.

[Sergeant]

How long's that?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, three years.

[Sergeant]

Is it your farm?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No, it's my wife's actually. I'm running the place for her.

[Sergeant]

I see. All right. Well, where did you get all this money?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

It's money for my expenses while I'm in Joburg.

[Sergeant]

I didn't ask you what it was for. I asked you where you got it.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I drew it from the bank.

[Sergeant]

Well, we can check on that.

[David Beddington]

This.

[Sergeant]

This diamond. Don't you know it's against the law to have uncut diamonds in your possession?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No.

[Sergeant]

Where'd you get it?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Found It Where? In a river on my farm.

[Sergeant]

And where's that?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Lutzville.

[Sergeant]

It's near Bloemfontein, isn't it? Yes, but that's not a diamond area.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No.

[Sergeant]

You just found the one.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes.

[Sergeant]

It's a big one. You might get three carrots out of it when it's cut.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes.

[Sergeant]

You realize I must confiscate it. That's the law.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes.

[Sergeant]

Sorry. I'm sorry. I don't believe your story either. You know what?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What?

[Sergeant]

You're going home to Lutzville today, eh? Yes, and I'm going with you.

[Narrator]

Lutzville in the Free State. 2:57pm the car in which Lt. Anderson and David Bellingham have traveled from Johannesburg pulls up outside the house on the farm called Invador. A young comes out to greet them.

[Diana Beddington]

Hello. You're back early.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yeah. Why?

[Diana Beddington]

What's the matter?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, Diana, this is Lieutenant Anderson. He's a policeman.

[Sergeant]

Oh, Mrs. Berrington.

[Diana Beddington]

I told you it would come to this.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

That's enough.

[Diana Beddington]

I told you they'd catch you. They always do.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I've told him nothing. He knows nothing.

[Sergeant]

He's right, Mrs. Barrington. I'm hoping you'll persuade him to help me.

[Diana Beddington]

It'll be a pleasure.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Are you out of your mind?

[Diana Beddington]

No, but I shall be if a stop isn't put to this business here and now.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Just remember. What's.

[Diana Beddington]

You think I've forgotten? He's with me every moment of the day.

[Sergeant]

Now look before you all get so excited that I can't make head or tail of what you're trying to tell me.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

We're not telling you anything.

[Sergeant]

Quiet, man. I haven't finished. I suggest we sit down and try and keep our heads.

[Diana Beddington]

Do you want to be inside or out?

[Sergeant]

It's too nice to sit indoors. Lovely sunny day like this.

[Diana Beddington]

Yes, it was days like this that started it all. I'm sorry these aren't nice days for a farmer, Lieutenant. Nice days are when it rains.

[Sergeant]

I see. Yes, of course.

[Diana Beddington]

We were doing all right till the rains passed us by.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Please, Diana, I beg of you.

[Sergeant]

Listen, my lad. You're in trouble up to your neck. I can see your wife is trying to make things easier for you. Now sit down and keep quiet. Sorry, Mrs. Berrington.

[Diana Beddington]

We were paying our way. Just we got the books into the black. Dave's always wanted to be a farmer. For as long as he can remember. Cattle are his life. He loves cattle. We had Herefords. Nice little herd bull and everything. They all died. I thought Dave would die, too. I've Never seen a man so cut up. It's not nice for a wife to see that in her husband. We went to my father for credit and he just couldn't help us. He was in trouble himself. Dave was desperate. Rather foolishly blamed himself. He felt he'd failed.

[Sergeant]

But it was the drought.

[Diana Beddington]

Yes. We needed money desperately. We had to have money. Otherwise the place would have been put up for sale. And you can buy a farm cheaply in like this. Anyway, Dave started drinking. Took to going to Bloemfontein. First he used to tell me that he went there on farm business. But later, when the money appeared, I knew there was something going on. He used to tell me it was money it won at poker. I knew he was lying. Then one day I forced the truth out of him. How much did you win this time?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Over 200 grand.

[Diana Beddington]

You never told me you were a gambling man.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Well, it's a talent I didn't know I had.

[Diana Beddington]

Dave, don't you think you've kidded me long enough?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What do you mean?

[Diana Beddington]

I'm not a fool, you know. You're just not the poker playing type.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Where do you suppose I get the money then?

[Diana Beddington]

I don't know. All sorts of funny ideas occur to me in the small hours of the morning when I can't sleep for worrying about you. I sometimes think you steal it.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, come on.

[Diana Beddington]

Sometimes I think he must be involved in idp.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What do you know about idb?

[Diana Beddington]

Only what I've read. I've got no first hand experience of it at all. Have you?

[Constable Mayber]

Don't be ridiculous.

[Diana Beddington]

Dave. Dave, you're blushing.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

So what?

[Diana Beddington]

I've hit the nail right on the head, haven't I?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No.

[Diana Beddington]

Yes, I have. Where do you go? What do you do?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

It's best if you know nothing.

[Diana Beddington]

Dave. I have a right to know. I'm your wife.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I go to Miserable Zutu. Yes, that's right.

[Diana Beddington]

What do you do there?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I meet a man.

[Diana Beddington]

What man?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I don't even know his name. And if you breathe one word of this, I'm gonna be in big trouble.

[Diana Beddington]

Go on.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Well, this man gives me a parcel. A little parcel.

[Diana Beddington]

Diamonds.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

And I have to bring them across the border.

[Diana Beddington]

Where to?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

All different places. Lady Brand, Wiperna, Weddesburg. I even went to Zastron once.

[Diana Beddington]

The time you were away for the weekend.

[Constable Mayber]

That's right.

[Diana Beddington]

Haven't you ever stopped to consider what would happen if they caught you?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Of course I have.

[Diana Beddington]

What?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh look, Diana. IDB's. Well, it's almost a national pastime. Everybody does it.

[Diana Beddington]

No they don't. Not decent, honest, law abiding folks. It's against the law.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, well, so's buying a raffle ticket.

[Diana Beddington]

Oh, please. That's not the same thing at all. You can't equate a sports club raffle with. With trading and diamonds. What happens if you get caught?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I pay a fine. And the next time a bigger fine.

[Diana Beddington]

Until you finally wind up in prison.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, I won't.

[Diana Beddington]

What's going to happen to me and Nicholas then?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, don't be silly, Diana. I can take care of myself. How is Nicky, by the way?

[Diana Beddington]

Yes, you have to ask? You're never at home, so you wouldn't know how he is. Anyway, things went on like that for quite a while. I tried to talk to David about how worried I was, but it always fobbed me off. I never got anywhere. Eventually, my nerves couldn't stand it anymore. I was terrified. Every time David left the house. I became convinced I'd never see him again. Finally, there was a showdown. It's time for you to choose. It's either them or me.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What do you mean?

[Diana Beddington]

Quite simple. Unless you tell your IDB pals that you won't run any more diamonds across the border for them. I'm going. And I'm taking Nicky with me. Did you hear what I said?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes. Well, look, I couldn't live without you and Nicky.

[Diana Beddington]

Dave, I'm begging you. Tell them you won't do it anymore. We. We've made plenty of money. More than enough. My dad's beginning to ask awkward questions. He's not a fool, you know. Please stay.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Okay, I'll tell them after the next run.

[Diana Beddington]

And he did. He was as good as his word.

[Sergeant]

And what happened?

[Diana Beddington]

I think you'd better tell the lieutenant about that day.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Well, I was nearly a week later came from the lands the sun had just gone.

[David Beddington]

Darling. Darling's here, aren't you, darling?

[Constable Mayber]

Dave.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Oh, Dave.

[Diana Beddington]

They've been here an hour.

[David Beddington]

They're waiting for the IDB farmer to come home. Isn't that right, Joey boy?

[Sergeant]

What are you doing? What do you want?

[David Beddington]

We came to bring you a message, didn't we, Joey?

[Diana Beddington]

Yeah.

[David Beddington]

Mr. Jansen thinks you've been a very naughty Joey boy. He sent Joey and me to bring you back into life.

[Diana Beddington]

They threatened to hit me.

[David Beddington]

I'll tell the lady to keep quiet. Joey boy.

[Diana Beddington]

Yeah, shut up.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

You can't talk to my wife like that.

[David Beddington]

Now, now, don't get excited. Otherwise you'll make Joey boy nervous and he might drop the baby.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Nicky.

[David Beddington]

Hey, Joey boy.

[Constable Mayber]

Accidents will Happen.

[Sergeant]

What do you want?

[David Beddington]

Mr. Johnson says that things had better stay the way they.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Otherwise.

[David Beddington]

Otherwise your family might come to harm.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

You wouldn't dare.

[David Beddington]

Your wife's a pretty woman. You wouldn't want us to change that, would you?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What? What's that?

[David Beddington]

It's a razor. A cutthroat razor. Very sharp. Sharp and nasty. Hey, Joey boy.

[Diana Beddington]

They mean what they say then?

[David Beddington]

That's right. Either you do the trips again or.

[Diana Beddington]

Else don't promise them anything. Say you do it. Just get her to go away. Leave us alone.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

And that's how they got me back into the game. I had no choice.

[Sergeant]

So what were you doing in Johannesburg?

[Diana Beddington]

Tell him, Dave.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Well, Diana had packed her things. She called, couldn't take anymore. She was leaving me. I couldn't face that. So I roared off into Johannesburg with a pocket full of money. I just wanted to forget everything.

[Constable Mayber]

You.

[Sergeant]

You really want to get out of this game?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

I'd give anything as long as Diana and my boy will be all right.

[Sergeant]

Well, if we round up the whole gang, what can they do?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

And those across the border?

[Sergeant]

The police in Masero will be only too pleased to hear about this.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What about me? What do I get out of the door?

[Sergeant]

As a state witness? You'd get off very lightly. And you'll have something money can't buy.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

What's that?

[Sergeant]

Peace of mind. Well, what do you say?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Okay. What do you want me to do?

[Narrator]

April 21. The border post at Massero. David Bennington has crossed the border in his car and he's met by Lieutenant Anderson.

[Sergeant]

Got the stuff?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Yes.

[Sergeant]

Good. Switch on the radio. We fixed under your dashboard. We've installed a portable radio transmitter just over the border.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Okay.

[Sergeant]

Testing, testing. Are you receiving us?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Over. Loud and clear, over.

[Sergeant]

Good. You're to maintain radio silence to this vehicle from here on. Just listen.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Over. Message received and understood.

[Sergeant]

Over and out. What's your destination, David?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

To Bantu. Joe's gonna meet me there. He'll get into the car and tell me where to go from there.

[Sergeant]

Right. Now, just before we get to to Bancho, you lock me in the boot.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

And do what?

[Sergeant]

I'll tell you.

[Narrator]

4:17Pm Outside a private house on the outskirts of Tabanchu. David Beddington and the man called Joey have taken the parcel of diamonds into the house and handed them over to the man called Jansen. Beddington tells them to come outside to the car. He says he has something to show them. In the boot.

[David Beddington]

Is this something you picked up in the suit?

[Lieutenant Anderson]

No, it was just the side of the border. As a matter of fact, Biltong, I bet you just let me get it open.

[Sergeant]

All right, you lot. I'm a police officer. Stand where you are.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Here comes the car with Captain Bryant and his men.

[David Beddington]

Come on, Terry, let's get out of here.

[Sergeant]

There, where you are.

[Constable Pitt]

Mr. Yanson.

[Lieutenant Anderson]

Mr. Yanson.

[Narrator]

Four men were arrested at the house in Tabanchu. Five more were apprehended in Bloemfontein. They constituted a gang of IDV operators which had eluded the police for many months. The manner of their apprehension was praised by the judge in the Supreme Court, where the men eventually stood trial. One of the men was discharged and the other eight received sentences ranging from a 500 round fine to 10 years in prison. As a state witness, David Beddington was given a suspended sentence and he and his wife Diana were reunited. His little hobby had grown till it became a way of life. It could have had tragic consequences for his family. 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.