Johannesburg police, CID... 1940's

[rimstim]

Greetings all

I am researching Johannesburg police, circa 1942, for a novel.

Where was the detective division located? In what street specifically? Was it labelled the CID, following British custom?

Even just the location of the main police station in Johannesburg central at this time would make my day.

So much of the history of this time focuses on the war, as it should, I guess...

[braw]

I know the main detective division was housed in the Brixton Police Station and were called the Brixton Murder and Robbery squad. I dont know when this unit was established and it was fazed out in 1997.

[Nookie]

The Marshall Square Police station was founded in 1899 and was demolished in the 1960's. This
link will give you more information.

www.heritageportal.co.za/remember/marshall-square-police-station‎

It was, I think, at the time the main police station, but I am not sure whether this still held true in the 1940's for the CID branch.

[rimstim]

Hey Nookie

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, subsequent research has shown that the original HQ for Johannesburg Police - prior to the dreaded John Vorster Square - was indeed at Marshall Square. It was known as the "Grays" among insiders.

Thanks!

[Boere]

John Voster Square Police Station was the centre of activities until 1994, I think it is now just a Police Station. It is in Johannesburg's CBD right next to the double decker ftreeway.
Will

[baddy]

I may be wrong, but I have a recollection of The Grays being an SAP division in a building in Von Weilligh St not at Marshall Square during the 1960's.

Dave 

[Boere]

You are not wrong. My father worked there for years.
Grays was actuallly the buildings name.
Will

[braw]

The Security Police HQ was also based in Gray's building

[rimstim]

So ... let me get this straight.

The Grays was not actually the "nickname" for the Marshall Square Police Station, but rather the SAP division at Von Weilligh Street?? Is this correct? Which SAP division was that, Dave?

Also, does anyone know when the M2 overpass/ freeway was built?

I'm doing research for a detective mystery novel based in the 40's.

Thank you for all the great info thus far!

Vern