Petrus Johann Coetzee
General Johann Petrus Coetzee is a South African police officer. He was Commissioner of the South African Police from 1983 to 1987.[1]
General Petrus Johann Coetzee SSA SED SOO SOE SD | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South African |
| Police career | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Service years | 1946-1987 |
| Rank | General |
Personal life
Coetzee is married and has two children.[2] He also has degrees in political science and history.[2]
Career in the police
Coetzee joined the police in 1946.[2] Much of his career was spent in the Security Branch, where he co-ordinated the infiltration of anti-apartheid groups such as the South African Communist Party.[2]
In June 1983 he was made Commissioner of the South African Police; he was also a member of the State Security Council.[2] He retired in May 1987.[3]
Retirement
Coetzee under cross-examination by George Bizos before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission denied any involvement in several murders and other atrocities committed by the apartheid National Party government.[4]
Along with several other security policemen, he later applied for amnesty from the Commission in 2000.[5]
References
- SA Mirror (n.d.). "General PJ Coetzee". South African Mirror.
- Cowell, Alan; Times, Special To the New York (1985-07-25). "Man in the News; Apartheid's Policeman: Johann Coetzee". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-04-13.
- Staff Reporter (29 May 1987). "Exit the General: But don' think Coetzee's let go his power". Mail and Guardian.
- Staff Reporter (11 September 1998). "Coetzee's 'fairy tales'". Mail and Guardian.
- SAPA (2 October 2000). "Dozens seek pardon for slaughter in Botswana". IOL.
See also
- Johan Velde van der Merwe, fellow Commissioner of the South African Police
- South African Police
- Apartheid