South West Africa Police

The original South West Africa Police (SWAP) was formed in December 1919, and was incorporated into the South African Police (SAP) in 1939. It was reinstated as a separate organisation in April 1981, and was disbanded shortly after South Africa handed over control of the territory to the United Nations in April 1989. A series of decorations and medals, corresponding to the principal SAP awards of the period, was instituted in December 1981. They became obsolete in 1989.

SWAP Star for Outstanding Service (SOE) (1981-1989)
Awarded for (i) particular gallantry, or (ii) exceptional resourcefulness, leadership or sense of responsibility.

Insignia: A red-enamelled gilt Maltese cross, depicting Fort Franke on a roundel encircled by aloe leaves (obverse) and the SWAP badge (reverse). It was worn on a neck ribbon or a gold ceremonial collar.

SWAP Star for Distinguished Service (SOO) (1981-1989)
For (i) particularly meritorious or exemplary service, or, until 1986, (ii) 30 years service.

Insignia: A circular blue-enamelled medal depicting the Ouden Bogenfels rock formation on a blue roundel on a 22-pointed star (obverse), and the SWAP badge (reverse).

Medal for the Establishment of the SWA Police (1981)
Issued to founder members of the force in 1981.

Insignia: An 11-pointed multi-rayed gilded star depicting the Needle Rock (obverse) and the SWAP badge (reverse).

SWAP Star for Merit(1986-1989)
For 30 years service.

Insignia: An elaborate gilt 8-armed Maltese cross displaying the Reiterdenkmal statue on a roundel framed by blue and red rays (obverse) and the SWAP badge (reverse). Its ribbon is silver with a red centre stripe (but was originally gazetted as red with a silver centre stripe).

SWAP Star for Faithful Service (1981-1989)
For 20 years service. A clasp was added after 40 years service.

Insignia: An irregularly-shaped oblong silver medal depicting the sun shining down on sand dunes with a Welwitschia plant in the foreground (obverse) and the SWAP badge (reverse).

SWAP Medal for Faithful Service (1981-1989)
For 10 years service.

Insignia: A circular bronze medal depicting a similar design to the Star for Faithful Service.