Bophuthatswana Police

The Bophuthatswana Police (BP) was established when the Bophutha-tswana homeland became independent in December 1977, and was incorporated into the new South African Police Service (SAPS) in January 1995. It had its own decorations and medals, corresponding to the principal SA Police awards of the period. They were instituted c1983, and became obsolete in January 1995.

BP Cross for Bravery (RYGT) (c1983-95)
Awarded for conspicuous and exceptional bravery in the line of duty or in protecting or saving life or property.

Insignia: A distinctive gold cross displaying a gold star-cross on a red roundel between four arrowheads (obverse) and the BP badge (reverse).

BP Medal for Outstanding Leadership (SOO) (c1983-95)
Awarded to officers, for particularly meritorious or exemplary service.

Insignia: A distinctive gold cross displaying a rampant leopard (obverse) and the BP badge (reverse).

BP Medal for Combating Terrorism (c1983-95)
For being involved in action against terrorists, or completing one year of counter-insurgency duty, or other services in combating terrorism.

Insignia: A silver Tswana shield displaying an array of ten spears (obverse) and a rampant leopard (reverse).

Bophuthatswana Independence Police Medal (c1983)
Issued to founder members of the force, including seconded members of the SA Police.

Insignia: A 9-pointed golden star displaying a map of Bophuthatswana on a red-edged green roundel (obverse) and the national coat of arms (reverse).

BP Star for Merit (c1983-95)
Awarded for (i) particularly meritorious or exemplary service, or (ii) 30 years service.

Insignia: A circular gold medal displaying a gold emblem on a red-edged green roundel (obverse) and the BP badge (reverse).

BP Star for Faithful Service (c1983-95)
For 20 years service.

Insignia: A 9-pointed silver star displaying a leopard's head (obverse) and the BP badge with "Tirelo ya Boikanyego - Faithful Service" (reverse).

BP Medal for Faithful Service (c1983-95)
For 10 years service.

Insignia: A 9-pointed silver star displaying four leopards' heads on a green roundel (obverse) and the BP badge with "Tirelo ya Boikanyego - Faithful Service" (reverse).