Furstenburg , Jan Pieter Albertus (J P A)

Not breaking tradition as a PF instructor, Sgt Furstenburg was a respected hardliner and merciless disciplinarian. On numerous occasions I personally endured his one to one "special treatment", testing my physical and mental capabilities to the uppermost limit. He did however compliment my stamina or ability to "Vasbyt" (which obviously made him go up slightly on my estimation chart). He was tragically killed in a "friendly fire" incident along with two other soldiers, Rfn Wilters and a Sgt Markx. The incident took place near Ombalantu (Owamboland) during a routine anti-SWAPO night ambush set-up. Feedback was that for some reason the victims apparently stood up without warning, subsequently being mercilessly shot several times by one of their own. Amazingly only one Rfn had opened fire and apparently every single bullet fired was a hit. Sgt Furstenburg had been shot more than five times. Initial inquest deemed the incident a tragic accident and the individual that opened fire, was granted a "Discharge" on the grounds of "traumatic psychological experience". More than a year later I had the pleasure of spending 21 days in "Durban Beach" (Detention Barracks near Pretoria) and was astonished to see the "marksman" there. Querying him he explained that he had been charged with murder. Two witnesses had stated that they had heard him gloating about his actions having been deliberate. Intriguing hey? I do not know what the outcome of the "Court Marshal" was, but what still baffles me is the accuracy of the shots.

Thank you John for your information displayed about my husband no 446 JPA Furstenburg. I got it now for the first time. Much information was witheld at that stage and after 33 years I read that he was shot 5 times and accurately. The outcome of the courtcase after 3 years was planned murder. High Court Windhoek Namibia. A very traumatic incident in the lives of my son and myself. We survived and are happy to see the information is on the internet. In fact it is his birthday today and he would have turned 57. He was shot at the age of 24. I still decide to write a book on experiences based on the SWA war as a war widow. You are doing a great job. Tossie Theunissen (Furstenburg) theunisseng@gmail.com Tossie Theunissen (Furstenburg)

I did duty in 1975-6 and was trained during basics by Sgt Jan Furstenburg. A tough instructor but what he taught us kept me alive through to 1984 when my duty ended. I have repeatedly stated that I would enter any battle or operation with Jan F. He was a damn fine soldier and a good man, it was his job to teach us warfare and he performed that function professionally. His fine memory will live with me forever, "een van Jan se twee soutpiele" I salute you Jan Furstenburg Allan korsman

29 Sep 1977: Four members from 4 SAI were killed in a friendly fire incident at Okalongo when a soldier who was watching the rear of the ambush position suddenly turned around and opened fire on his fellow soldiers. The soldier in question subsequently appeared in the Windhoek Supreme Court on a charge of murder but was medically diagnosed as having acute schizophrenia and subsequently declared medically unfit to stand trial. The casualties in this unfortunate incident were: 69206464PE Sergeant Jan Pieter Albertus Furstenburg. He was 24 74413659BB Corporal Leslie Muller. He was 19. 74281734BG Rifleman Jan Joachim Jacobus de Vos. He was 18 74382862BG Rifleman Cornelius Johannes Lourens. He was 19

Out of the whole intake you chose me to "break"? Boy, did you make me suffer, you even named me "Vis-Kaffir". May I therefore state that at times I felt hate, and I thought you a "Goon" I wasn't even in your platoon!! But when Malan gave the order To make our way to the border, your respectful salute as you said "well done troop" made me understand it was all for the job in hand... Thanks Sarge I will always remenber that tragic day in September...