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.