Branch, noun

colloquial. Elliptical for Special Branch. Also attributive.
1977 J. Sikakane Window on Soweto 76He should not be surprised when the Special Branch called. The Branch men did call.
c1985 K. Sole in Eng. Academy Rev. Vol.3 9The Branch say he’s dangerous a terrorist of the foulest kind, and lock him up incessantly.
1990 ‘Nhlanhla’ in M. Kentridge Unofficial War 74When you’re a politician, (Special) Branch treat you more carefully. They don’t assault you unless you have a provocative conversation...They can keep you..for months, even years, just to keep you out of the way.
1990 ‘David’ in M. Kentridge Unofficial War 75The police are not all the same. The security police — Branch — they’re clearly anti-comrade, even the black cops.
1990 ‘David’ in M. Kentridge Unofficial War 75While I was there I was not interrogated at all. Branch came four times, but only for five minutes.
Elliptical for Special Branch. Also attributive.
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elliptical
colloquial
brakkie, nounn.brand, nounn.
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