Schoeman, Johan (J)

We were on patrol in the townships just outside Port Elizabeth in September 1985. Cpl Schoeman was the platoon Sargeant of Platoon Four, Delta Company (5 SAI). I was in Charlie Section, Platoon Five. We were at the end of our 12 hours of duty in the township and our buffel met up with the one that Cpl Schoeman was riding in. We chatted to the guys in his buffel and we agreed that we would do one more ride around and then head for home. We waited for the other buffel to join us after about half an hour and when we had heard nothing from them, we set out to find them. We noticed a bunch of young children (about 10-15 years old) gathered in a crowd down a side road. They all scattered when we approached, and revealed the mutilated a body on the road. It was Cpl Schoeman. He was still alive when we got to him. He had been stabbed 75 times, castrated and disembowled. There were pieces of flesh missing from his buttocks and an axe embedded in his forehead. He died while we were waiting for the ambulance. Apparently, he had joined with his section in chasing after some people who had thrown stuff at the Buffel, and had got seperated from them. He had not taken his personal weapon with him, and could not defend himself.

Sarge, I will never forget you. Every day I measure what I do against the example that you set me. Every time I put on my uniform, I think of you, of your pride and love of what you were doing. I remember the lessons that you taught me. I thank you for what you were, and what you will always remain to me...

Johan, jy het ons almal beskerm - dankie, rus in vrede my vriend. 'n Jong lewe so vermors! My hart gaan uit na jou dierbares.....

Ek het pas gelees wat John geskryf het ivm jou beserings....watter siek spul mense doen so iets aan 'n ander lewende wese? Mag jy ewige vrede he - hulle sal kry wat hulle toekom Al het ons mekaar nie geken nie, ek is jou vriend.