APOSTLE (WARRANT OFFICER) VINOD SINGH: A SOUTH AFRICAN POLICEMAN CALLED INTO THE MINISTRY
Brigadier Hennie Heymans
Special Edition of Nongqai, please.
Thank you.
Logan
F O R E W O R D
Lieutenant-Colonel Rukahia Khan
Vinod Singh joined the South African Police Service on April 19, 1976, at the age of 19. He was posted to SA Police, Erasmia, Pretoria West, Transvaal (now known as Gauteng), driven by a deep passion to serve his country. For a young recruit, this was a challenging and formative experience. While away from his family, who provided emotional support, Singh quickly adapted to his new environment. He had a natural
ability to form strong bonds with his colleagues and participated actively in social gatherings within his community.
Initially, Singh and his colleagues walked from their rented accommodation in Laudium to the station in Erasmia, a distance that reflected the commitment and camaraderie of the early days.
From August 1966 to June 1977, he attended basic police training. Upon completion, he was posted as a Constable back to SA Police, Erasmia, where he faced the challenges of law enforcement without the benefit of modern technology. Despite the lack of resources, Singh proved to be a capable and determined officer, developing skills to maintain law and order in a community where trust and authority were not always guaranteed.
In those early years, Singh had to earn the trust of the Erasmia community, forging relationships with local residents and gaining their respect. This phase of his career, although challenging, was also rewarding, asit allowed him to grow both professionally and personally. He found fulfilment concerns and familiar with the community, understanding their concerns, and attempted to create a safer environment.
After almost two years in Erasmia, Singh was transferred to Mount Edgecombe in February 1978, a return to his home community. In August 1985, he was called to serve during the violent Inanda riots, where attacks on the Indian community were widespread. Singh and his colleagues worked tirelessly to rescue families from harm, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. The violence took a toll on all involved, but Singh’s unwavering resolve and courage were instrumental in ensuring the safety of many.
Later that year, the construction of the new Phoenix Police Station began, and Warrant Officer Singh was actively involved in the project, a significant achievement in his career. On October 7, 1987, the Mount Edgecombe staff relocated to the newly established SAPS Phoenix station, which officially opened on June 30, 1988. Singh continued his dedicated service until he resigned on June 30, 1990, to pursue a calling in the church. His legacy of service, courage, and dedication to his community remains an inspiration.
In July 2021, when unrest once again struck Phoenix, Singh’s experience as a police official and as a pastor proved invaluable.
This time, however, the Indian community was prepared. Together with residents, security companies, and the SAPS, they successfully protected lives and property from the violence that had plagued the area in 1985.
Today, Pastor Vinod Singh continues to serve the Phoenix community, offering spiritual guidance, emotional support food and clothing to the needy. He is a dedicated mentor, providing comfort during times of both joy and sorrow. May he be blessed with the strength and wisdom to continue his invaluable service to those in need.
APOSTLE (WARRANT OFFICER) VINOD SINGH: A SOUTH AFRICAN POLICEMAN CALLED INTO THE MINISTRY
“For many are called, but few are chosen. – Matt 22:14 (KJV)”
(Researched, authored, set out and forwarded for publication by Logan Govender [LG] with the information obtained from Apostle (Warrant Officer) Vinod Singh [VS], other police members and individuals. Edited by Advocate Karen Pillay, daughter of late Colonel Rungasamy (Dickey) Munsamy
02 [VS] as a young police constable
03 [LG]
“
The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten” –
Photograph 04
Advocate Karen Pillay, daughter of Colonel Rungasamy (Dickey) Munsamy. Colonel Munsamy succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender as Station Commander of SA Police, Phoenix during 1989.
Ancestry
Vinod Singh’s grandfather Chandrika Beni Singh was only 3 years old when his mother Latpathia Sheotahal came to South Africa from the Bihar State in India, aboard the vessel “Umkuzi” in March 1902. His great grandmother was an indentured labourer for “The Natal Estates Sugar Mill”. The company was known as “Saccharine Sugar Establishment” which is now part of Mount Edgecombe.
Photograph 05
Vinod Singh’s grandfather Chandrika Beni Singh
His Dad, (Debi) Mado Singh was born on 1928-10-13 at Cornubia Estate, Mount Edgecombe The Singh family owned 10 acres of land in New Farm, near Mount Edgecombe during the 1940’s, within a farming community of 400 acres. His mother
Kamlawathi Singh came from 45th Avenue, Sherwood, Durban His Mom and Dad married on the 1st February 1949.
06
Photograph taken at Singh’s wedding ceremony. From left to right, his Dad, (Debi) Mado Singh; [ VS] ; his bride Mimmie and his Mom Kamlawathi
Photograph 07
His Dad, (Debi) Mado Singh
Vinod Singh was also born on New Farm on 1957-06-04. New Farm was incorporated into the Phoenix development later in the 1980’s.
FAMILY BACKGROUND AND CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY
As Singh’s father was a Christian belonging to the Methodist denomination, during 1973 the family attended a church crusade held by Paul D Murugan from the AFM Church. At the meeting his whole family accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. He was only 16 years old at that time and has never looked back since. Singh became involved in the youth group at this Church where he played music for the Church band and thereafter, he was appointed to teach wayside Sunday School to the younger children. He became “… like Timothy to Paul…” (1 Timothy 1;1-2) referring to his Pastor. He felt a strong desire upon his life and a calling to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and the ministry. On 1987-03-01 he however, resigned from that Church.
ENLISTMENT INTO THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
Vinod Singh joined the South African Police on 1976-04-19 at Durban Central Police Station, in Smith Street, Durban at the age of 19 years old. He was recruited by both Sergeants Singh and Ngidi. He was posted to SA Police, Erasmia, in the Transvaal (Tshwane Province). He was issued with a second-class passenger rail ticket to board the “milk” train on the very same day at 6pm from Durban Railway station to Pretoria Railway station. The train arrived in Pretoria the next day at 6pm.He was picked up by a white Constable driving a Chevrolet police van. He was instructed to “klim agter C …”
After reporting his arrival at Erasmia, he was driven to 519 Mustard Street, located in the White Blocks at Laudium, Pretoria West.
Photograph 08
519 Mustard Street, Laudium
(Source Sergeant Ahmed Mahomed [Mohanraj])
Photograph 09
Sergeant Ahmed Mahomed [Mohanraj]
(Source Sergeant Ahmed Mahomed [Mohanraj])
The next morning, he reported for duty at Erasmia. The Station Commander was Lieutenant Janeke. The legendary Lance Sergeant Anver Saint posted them to the respective reliefs where they performed duties either as charge office reserves, van crew or foot patrol duties; and was always accompanied by an experienced Non-White member.
Anver Saint, late (Sergeant)
(Source, family of Sergeant Saint)
(According to the information at my disposal the late Sergeant Anver Saint is believed to be one of the first few Indians that joined the South African Police in the Transvaal (now known as Gauteng Province). He joined at SA Police, Fordsburg on 1959-06-25.
Seemly, he is the only Indian policeman that underwent his basic police training at SA Police, Training College, Hammanskraal from 1960-01-05 to 1960-0419. He thereafter became a prominent, renowned and knowledgeable Indian policeman who was respected by all he came into contact with. - [LG])
Singh was even posted to guard stolen vehicles that were recovered until the scene was attended to by the Detectives, Fingerprint Experts. or until the lawful owner was traced and had same removed. He even guarded dead bodies found in remote vacant property. He also guarded a suspect at the Atteridgeville hospital in Pretoria West. A number of other Indian members were already stationed at Erasmia at the time, such as Devraj, Kader, Kisten, Soobramoney, Balan Naidoo (Stationed at Chatsworth); Paranthaman Govender. The Indian Recruits were Singh and Mohanraj.
HEADS UP - ([LG])
Captain Paranthaman (Pat)Govenderwasinitiallythoughtto have been the first of the few South African Indian Policeman to be transferred to the Tshwane Province (Pretoria) Region, but I have since discovered that the late Captain MADRAY PAKIRY was transferred before Govender and could have been the first to have been transferred from SA Police, Training College, Wentworth on 1968-09-30 to SA Police, Erasmia, Pretoria West District, where he served until 1970-12-28. Sergeant Anver Saint appears to have been the first appointed SA Police member of Indian descent born in the province of Transvaal (Gauteng) who joined the SA Police in Fordsburg, was later transferred to SA Police, Erasmia and thereafter Laudium
BELIEVED TO BE THE FIRST SA POLICE INDIAN MEMBER FROM KWAZULU-NATAL POSTED TO, PRETORIA TRANSVAAL (TSHWANE REGION) IN THE 1960’s
Photograph 11
Madray Pakiry, late, Captain
(Source family of Captain M Pakiry)
Photograph 12
South African Police, Training College, Wentworth Platoon 11
1968-04-06 till 1968-09-30
(Source Sergeant D Moodley)
Members Identified: -
Second row, left to right, 2nd M Pakiry, Troop Leader, Captain, late.
Third row, left to right, R Kavari, 2nd from right late (Warrant Officer)
Fourth row, left to right, 7thD Moodley.
Photograph 14
South African Police,
Training College,
Wentworth, Durban,
Platoon 20 / 1974, January - July 1974
(Source Captain VT Naidoo)
Members identified
Second row, left to right – 5th from left, George Doraval Govender (Major General [Professor]); 7th DN Naidoo, late (Sergeant, SA Police, Mountain Rise); 8th from left, VT Naidoo (Captain).
Third row, left to right – 4th Paranthaman (Pat) Govender,
The Indian members were forced to walk every day to and from Laudium to work. (a distance of 3,4km away from Erasmia, as this was the only Indian Township nearby and the SA Police had rented this premises to accommodate Indian members. – [LG]).
Image 01
Image depicting the route on foot and the distance (Source Google)
Singh and Mohanraj were called up to attend basic Police Training at the former South African Police, Indian Training College, Wentworth, Durban. They were placed in Platoon 25 from August 1976 to February 1977.
PASSING OUT PARADE
The group successfully passed out after completion of six months of intensive physical training, discipline, foot drill, the use and the handling of firearms, lectures in the various laws of the country and Police Administration.
After six months of intensive training in foot drill, physical exercises, tuition in the various laws of the country, techniques in the investigation of crime and preservation and handling of exhibits and police administration they successfully passed out on the grounds of the SA Police, College Training grounds. The District Commandant, Durban South District, Colonel BJ Horak was the officiating dignitary. Lieutenant Morgan Chetty, late (Lieutenant General, Deputy National Commissioner, SAPS. –[LG]), was the Parade Commander.
Photograph 15
South African Police
Training College
Platoon 25, August 1976 to February 1977
Wentworth
Durban
(Source Sergeant Ahmed Mahomed [Mohanraj])
Members Identified
First row, left to right, 7th I Mohanraj (Sergeant Ahmed Mahomed [Mohanraj])
Vinod Singh, 10th VinodSingh, 1st from right
Both Singh and Mohanraj were reposted backto Erasmia. Their duties included charge office, van crew, guard duties, etc
Singh’s Mom became very ill and petitioned the Commissioner of the SA Police to transfer him back nearer to the family residence to assist the family to take care of her during her illness. Fortunately, his transfer to SA Police, Mount Edgecombe was approved. (The station was called White House by the locals. – [LG])
TRANSFER TO SA POLICE, MOUNT EDGECOMBE
During February 1978, Singh reported to Mount Edgecombe for duty. The Station Commander was Sergeant Casper Swemmer Breytenbach. There were three other Indian members based there, Constables Tom Applesamy, late and Mark Moonsamy and Sergeant Kaniappen Moodley, late (Lieutenant-Colonel) – [LG]. The station fell under the command of the District Commandant, Durban North District, based in Ridge Road, Durban North.
According to information available the police station had been in existence for over 100 years. It had a corrugated, wood and iron construction with whitewashed walls that was once used as horse stables – later occupied by the enquiry staff. It was probably one of the oldest police stations in the Republic. No renovations whatsoever, was done to the building. It stood precisely as it did until demolished a few years ago. (On 2024-11-30 I was invited to attend a social function organized by the former Mount Edgecombe members (Whitehouse Social Club0 and was informed by Warrant Officer Singh that the building no longer exists it was demolished. I needed to take a photograph of the building. – [LG])
The Station strength consisted of only 10 members at the time and therefore could not sustain a 24hour service to the community due to insufficient members available. The station was open from 06:00 till 22:00. One shift operated from 06:00 till 14:00 whilst the other from 14:00 till 22:00, the last-mentioned group would remain confined to the station premises on standby in the event of an emergency. White members slept in the barracks within the station premises whilst Non-White members slept on the floor in the charge office, in the section reserved for Non-Whites using the mats and blankets that were issued for use by the awaiting trial or prisoners remanded in police custody.
MARRIAGE
On 1978-08-26 Vinod Singh married his dear wife Bindhu (Mimmie). They are happily married for 46 years. (“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” – Mark 10:9 - [LG])
Photograph 19
SA Police, Mount Edgecombe, the old station
(Source Captain Hansraj)
According to the Editor in Chief of Nongqai, his Dad, Constable Abraham Faure Heymans, late (Sergeant) was stationed at SA Police, Mount Edgecombe during the 1940’s as a single member. He was married on 1945-05-09 and was transferred to Durban, due to the lack of accommodation for White married members at Mount Edgecombe. He was replaced by Constable CF Zietsman, late (Lieutenant General SOO SOE, former Chief Deputy Commissioner, Detective Branch. – [LG])
Photograph 20
Sergeant AF Heymans (Source, Nongqai archives)
Photograph 21
Lieutenant General CF Zietsman (Source, Nongqai archives)
Photograph 22
Group photograph of members of SA Police, Mount Edgecombe circa 1980’s.
From left to right, Romilla; RB Khan; Warrant Officer Breytenbach; Ruby; Daisy, late; Meena, late.
(Source Lieutenant-Colonel Rukaiha Khan)
Photograph 23
Group photograph of members of the SA Police, Mount Edgecombe. W/Officer Vally seated with the four ladies. Photograph taken circa 1980’s.
Seated, Daisy, late; Warrant Officer Vally
Standing, RB Khan, left.
Seated, Ruby; Romilla; standing to the right Meena, late
(Source Lieutenant-Colonel Rukaiha Khan)
On 1982-10-04 (Sykes) G Pillay was re-enlisted into the South African Police and was posted to SA Police, Mount Edgecombe (popularly known as "Whitehouse" Police
station. This was a small, whitewashed walls, wood and iron police station situated on a hilltop with a dirt road leading from the old North Coast Road.
Photograph 24
Colonel G (Sykes) Pillay
(Source, Colonel G (Sykes) Pillay)
Photograph 25
Warrant Officer Vinod Singh standing alongside the SA Police, Mount Edgecombe patrol vehicle
During 1985 Singh was appointed the Station Commander’s Clerk and overall supervisor of the administrative staff. At that stage 4 additional Indian ladies were employed as clerks to take care of the administrative functions of the station.
INANDA RIOTS 1985-08-17
All members based at SA Police; Mount Edgecombe were mobilised by Warrant Officer Breytenbach on the late evening of 1985-08-17 as instructed by the District Commandant of Durban North District. They were informed that a racial riot had broken out in the upper, lower and alongside the banks of the Amoutiri river. Africans attacked the homes of Indian residents and businesses; looting and burning were in progress. Approximately 1 200 Indian families living in that area were affected. Members reported to their respective stations that fell under the command of the District Commandant, such as Greenwood Park, Verulam, etc They were briefed and deployed in haste to the affected areas.
Singh accompanied by Warrant Officer Bob Moodley, late, Lieutenant-Colonel, rushed into the respective areas in an attempt to save lives and property. The unrest lasted for 3 full days and nights. Members were not allowed to go home. Singh and Moodley utilised a Landrover generously loaned to the SA Police by Cash & Carry of Ohlange in a community humanitarian effort to assist those in need. On the third day they received notification of approximately 8 families still trapped in a remote area. The members fortunately reached the families and assisted them to safely evacuate.
Refugees were rehoused in Stonebridge and Greenberry Community Centres located at Phoenix and also the Verulam area kilometres away. Affected families remained here for approximately 2 weeks, thereafter many were rehoused near Caneside Unit 21.
The violence continued for three days fortunately it was sporadic and not widespread. (Unfortunately, I was unable to ascertain from my interviews any account of personal injury or deaths. – [LG])
(Accounts of the riots obtained from various police members were written from their individual perspective and media reports. I took the liberty of utilising the accounts of some of the victims themselves and media reports and hope it puts the riots into perspective. –[LG])
FACEBOOK POST on “INANDA 1985 - NEVER FORGOTTEN” by Mr Rajen Rambhookan
“The pounding on my door in the early hours of the 17 August 1985 sounded ominous and urgent. In my dreamy state I opened the door. I saw some familiar faces with terror etched on their faces. They were the bearers of horrendous tidings that the blacks were attacking Indians in Inanda, burning their houses, looting their possessions and taking over their homes.
For three days the reign of terror persisted. Virtually the entire Indian population that lived in Inanda which stretched for some 30 kilometres from lower Inanda at Phoenix Cash Store through to Upper Inanda, past SS Govender’s store, witnessed scenes of utter destruction with homes being burnt indiscriminately. The Indians who had settled in this part of the world over a century ago surviving as farmers, labourers, gardeners, transport operators and businessmen amongst others had to flee with only the clothes they had on, losing their lifelong possessions.
As the news of the unprovoked unrest spread across the land, stories of valiant rescue missions began to surface of how individuals ventured into the riot torn area to salvage whatever of value they could get. A few people even lost their lives, Schools and community halls in Verulam and Phoenix were re-arranged as make shift homes for the hundreds of victims of the unrest whilst some lived with relatives. Family life was severely interrupted. Benefactors from far and wide rallied together by providing food and clothing.
The then President of this Welfare Society, Mr. D Ganesh and I as Vice President, arranged an emergency meeting with senior officials of the then House of Delegates in order to seek urgent assistance for the unrest victims. Fortunately, homes in the suburb of Caneside and Foresthaven units in Phoenix were almost reaching completion and these homes were already allocated to new owners. In view of this unforeseen catastrophe, the House of Delegates made these homes available to the Inanda refugees.
The Society played a pivotal role in identifying bona fide residents of Inanda by giving them letters of identification to qualify for houses. People were moved in batches and those who were left behind for a while became frustrated and critical. This transition period of victims moving out from their makeshift homes in the schools to their newly acquired homes in Phoenix lasted some two years.
Concurrently, the Phoenix-Inanda Co-ordinating Committee was formed with Mr. Omie Singh, then a Democratic Party Councillor in Phoenix, as chairman, a few concerned former residents of Inanda and Mr. Ganesh and I representing this Child
Welfare Society. The primary purpose of this committee was to liaise with other government departments in assisting the victims to start building their future.
This Committee led a delegation to the President’s Council in Pretoria to request financial assistance for the unrest victims. After much discussion and motivation the Council agreed to assist victims with R800.00 per family, paid over two installments of R400 each. Whilst this meagre amount did little to quench the financial thirst it was a welcome relief to most that had lost all their possessions.
Duffs Road Child and Family Welfare Society was tasked in identifying all bona fide residents of Inanda in order to ensure that these funds were not abused. However, there are a few who tried their luck. The process of identification and reaching finality in this massive exercise was a long and laborious one. The chief magistrate of Verulam was the primary guardian of the allocated funds. The members of this Society worked tirelessly during this period to ensure that this cumber stone and painful process benefited the real victims.
As we look back, some 28 years later, we proudly acknowledge the humanitarian work done by our members. This Society, since 1985 has devoted much of its reserves to assist the ex-Inanda residents with food hampers, furniture and clothing. Many of these families have rebuilt their lives, their families and their homes.
Up to this day, the cause of the unrest orchestrated by some individuals, has still to be unravelled. Today Inanda is populated entirely by blacks. It is hoped that the Inanda Riots was the last incident of the inter-racial strife as we endeavour to face the years free from racial barriers or hate.”
“THE TRAUMA OF INANDA’S 1985 VIOLENCE RELIVED
(Source, Published Aug 21, 2020 POST)
Durban - THIS month marked 35 years since the violence in Inanda. But for the victims, there has been no closure. Now, those who are still alive are coming together to lobby the government to launch an investigation to find out what caused the mayhem and death.
Inanda was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi, the man who gave the world the concept of non-violence. For decades Indians and Africans had lived as neighbours. Then, on August 6, 1985, violence shattered the peace. For two days, homes and shops were looted and set alight. Gandhi’s home and a school that bore his wife’s name were also destroyed.
More than 1 500 Indian families lost everything as they fled their homes. Three men were killed.
According to historian Omar Badsha, who went to Inanda after anti-apartheid activist Fatima Meer contacted him, there were powerful political entities who were interested in the land.
“These entities wanted the land for housing so they could get rent. Others were out to get the businesses, so they began agitating.”
Badsha said Mpondo residents were also forced to leave.
A paper, titled “Violence In Inanda: August 1985” by Professor Heather Hughes, was published in the Journal of Southern African Studies.
Hughes said the bodies of three Indian men were found burnt. “They were all from the same family, a father, his son and his brother-in-law.”
She said while political organisations denied any involvement in the riot, the IFP’s Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi had said there was a lot of resentment because some Indians had participated in the new Tricameral Parliament.
“Smaller parties such as those connected to the House of Delegates also blamed students and the UDF for the violence.”
Deochand Ganesh, who was the president of the Inanda Child and Family Welfare Society at the time, witnessed the violence. Now 81, Ganesh was responsible for distributing relief packages and the allocation of homes in Phoenix to those left homeless.
“At about 11pm on August 6, some of the residents from Inanda fled and came to my place in nearby Duffs Road seeking help. We went to the epicentre of the riots where people were mobilising, and we got politicians on the line, as well as the authorities.” Ganesh, who said the riots started unexpectedly, was asked not to return to the area because it was dangerous.
“Helpless families were pounced upon. Their houses were looted and burnt. Rioters infused terror in the defenceless, stealing whatever was portable.”
He said the riots were worse in central Inanda near government-aided schools.
“Acts of arson and looting carried on unabated for two days, spreading like wildfire. Motor vehicles and other possessions were burnt.
“The riots appeared to be clandestinely planned. The owner of Ramgobin’s Garage told me that people bought petrol in containers although they did not own vehicles.”
Ganesh said families who fled by car were taken to various places of safety in Phoenix and Verulam.
“They were housed in community and school halls under trying circumstances. My organisation, the Inanda Indian Child and Family Welfare Society, sprang into action. We sought the help of the police and politicians, like Baldeo Dookie and Amichand Rajbansi, to get the House of Delegates to assist.”
The Inanda Relief Fund - under the chairmanship of YS Chinsamy, KT Manjee and others - raised funds to provide relief to those living at the Brindhaven Secondary School Hall in Verulam and the Greenbury Community Hall in Phoenix.
“Mr S Ramkisson and I served on this committee. We were tasked with identifying the victims who were displaced. This went beyond two years.”
Ganesh said no investigation or inquiry was conducted to determine what led to the riots.
He said most of the 1985 refugees had settled in Caneside and Foresthaven in Phoenix.
“While some have progressed, many still suffer the ravages of that dark period in history.”
Pravesh Naipal was 18 when his parents and siblings fled their home. Naipal, who now lives in Sea Cow Lake, is co-ordinating the new 1985 Inanda Riots Victims initiative.
“This is aimed at bringing former residents together to pursue the truth behind the unrest and to seek reparations from the government.”
Naipal said he was 6 when his family relocated from Durban North to Inanda because of the Group Areas Act. “We lived in a four-bedroom house without electricity or running water. We lived in peace and perfect harmony. We used to get potable water from the Shembe church. When the annual Shembe dance took place, the vendors used our yard.”
He said most of the children attended the Kasturba Gandhi Primary School, while others attended the Inanda Primary School.
“In August 1985, something went wrong. It was violence, looting and arson. We were displaced. We were housed temporarily at the Stonebridge Community Hall and then moved to a school in Verulam. After a while, we were allocated homes in Phoenix. We were compensated with Game stores shopping vouchers.”
Naipal said all the published accounts of the riots were written from an outsider’s perspective and the initiative would help put the riots into perspective.
He would also like the day to be observed nationally, like the Sharpeville Massacre was.
“The Inanda riots are forgotten. We suffered the indignity of racial hatred. This is our history and we do not want it swept under the carpet.
“We were driven out of Inanda with only our clothes on our backs. Today, we must find the truth of who or why it was. We must seek reparations.”
He is in the process of setting up an ad hoc committee and hopes to hold a peace and reconciliation prayer in Inanda.
Naipal said once the committee met, they would write to the office of the president with their concerns.
He can be contacted via WhatsApp at 0842450621.
POST”
“The Inanda riots are forgotten. We suffered the indignity of racial hatred. This is our history and we do not want it swept under the carpet.
“We were driven out of Inanda with only our clothes on our backs. Today, we must find the truth of who or why it was. We must seek reparations.” - Naipal
27
Photograph of residents gathered around a news reporter (Source Post Newspaper)
During 1986, in anticipation of the opening of the new Phoenix Station; Mount Edgecombe, Station Commander Warrant Officer CJ Breytenbach was transferred and replaced by Major Johan Hendrik Van Wyk. On 1986-02-07 Major Van Wyk was appointed the Station Commander of SA Police, Mount Edgecombe.
Photograph 29
Major JH Van Wyk, Colonel receiving a medal from Brigadier Mulder Van Eyk as Brigadier JJ Beeslaar looks on (Source, Colonel JH Van Wyk)
Photograph 30
(Source Servamus undated)
Colour photograph of SA Police, Mount Edgecombe, Lieutenant M Perumal, late (Lieutenant (Selva) Perumal standing outside the station, alongside the
flagpole, the Mount Edgecombe patrol vehicle in the background and the station behind it. This was presumably taken after 1985 / 1986, as Perumal was promoted to Lieutenant December 1984– [LG])
Photograph 31
Lieutenant (Selva) Mogambury Perumal, late (Colonel – [LG]) after his graduation to Lieutenant
(Source, Sister of Colonel Perumal Ms Lalitha Munien)
CONSTRUCTION OF SA POLICE, PHOENIX
Finally, in the late 1985, construction commenced on the brand-new police station in Phoenix which is one of the largest Indian settlements on the north coast. It is situated at the Starwood Town Centre, 177 Longcroft Drive, Phenix. The construction of the new complex has come as a welcome to both Mount Edgecombe and Phoenix.
Van Wyk and Singh undertook the oversight of the construction of the proposed new station. Warrant Officer Singh was ultimately appointed to give oversight to the construction of the new station premises and regularly attended the site meetings and reported same to Headquarters.
The Phoenix complex is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious police complexes on the North Coast; it has one of the most modern mortuaries in the Republic, the conference chamber and the most impressive looking single quarters.
Photograph 32
Captain (Noddy) Prithveraj Deoraj and his dear wife late Daisy, who was a member of SA Police, Mountain Edgecombe (Whitehouse) from 1981 till 1993 and she sadly passed away 2018.
(Source Captain Deoraj)
(Lieutenant Charles Matthews was transferred to SA Police, Mount Edgecombe during 1986. – Captain (Noddy) Prithveraj Deoraj)
Photograph 33
Major General Charles Matthews
(Source, Major General Charles Matthews)
Photograph 34
(Source, Major General Charles Matthews)
SA Police
Candidate Officer’s Course No 3 / 1986
Benoni
1986-04-24 to1986-07-03
Officers Identified
First row, left to right, 2nd Major AJ Voges (Course Leader), Lieutenant-Colonel (Our Course Leader on the following Candidate Officer’s Course, September 1986 to 1st December 1986 – [LG]); 3rd Colonel JJ Smal, (Brigadier, Commander, was also
the Commander on the following Course – [LG]); 4th Udal Singh, late (Captain, Branch Commander SA Police, Wentworth – [LG])
Second row, left to right, 2nd Gregory Rockman (Later pursued a political career –[LG]); 3rd AH Lamoer (was later promoted as a General in the Western Cape Province – [LG]); 4th Charles Matthew, 1st right
RELOCATION TO SA POLICE, PHOENIX
On 1987-10-07 the Mount Edgecombe Station and its staff relocated to SA Police, Phoenix.
Major Van Wyk was the Station Commander just up until, prior to the Official Opening on the 1988-06-30. Captain Charles Matthews was his second in command.
Image 02
MediaClipping
Indian policemen promoted
Transcript
Indian policemen promoted
THE COMMISSIONER of the South African Police, General Hennie de Witt, announced the promotion of 10 senior Indian police officers yesterday.
Major Sharma Maharaj District Commandant at Chatsworth Police district has been promoted to the rank Lieutenant-Colonel.
The station commander of the Phoenix police station, Major Soobramoney Govender, has also been promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Captain Bob Sanker, Port Natal Public Relations Officer, has been promoted to rank of Major - the first Indian to hold such a rank in the public relations division.
35
DS (Sharma) Maharaj, late, (Lieutenant General, first Indian Provincial Commissioner, Gauteng Province –[LG])
Photograph 36
Major Bob Sanker, late (Lieutenant-Colonel, first Indian Public Relations Officer –[LG])
(Source, his son Professor Ajesh Maharaj)
Two brothers, who were born on the same day, but two years apart are both branch commanders. (Reggie, Brigadier and Christy, Colonel Marimuthu. – [LG])
Other promotions announced were of Major Moonsamy Govender (Manikum Govender, late, Lieutenant-Colonel. – [LG]) of the Special Guard Unit, Major Rungasamy Munsamy, senior staff officer at Chatsworth, (late, Colonel, Commanding Officer of SA Police, Training College, Chatsworth, Durban; Station Commander SA Police, Phoenix. [LG]) and Major Hans Jissok, branch Commander at Chatsworth, (Major General, Cluster Commander, Durban. –[LG]); Captain George Pillay, staff officer at CR Swart and Captain George Govender, branch Commander at Isipingo (Major General, SA Police, Academy, Paarl [Professor] - [LG]). All promotions are backdated to January 1. Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender was posted to Phoenix Police Station being the First Indian Station Commander.
The Phoenix Police Station officially opened by Minister A Rajbansi during 1988 was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender.
(Source, family of Lieutenant-
Photograph 39
Major General Hans Jissok (Source, [LG])
Photograph 40
Major General (Professor) (George) Doraval Govender (Source, Major General (Professor) (George) Doraval Govender)
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Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender, former Station Commander, SA Police, Sydenham was appointed the Station Commander of SA Police, Phoenix replacing Major JH Van Wyk
(This photograph was kindly restored by Ms Jennifer Bosch at the request of the daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel S Govender – Ms Kavitha Govender)
Captain Cristy Marimuthu was appointed the Branch Commander of the Detective Branch.
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The second in Command of the Detective Branch was Hirawanlal, late, (Colonel –[LG])
(Source, family of Colonel Hirawanlal)
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MediaClipping
Taking on crime at Phoenix
Transcript
“Taking on crime at Phoenix
And Colonel Soobramoney Govender has the style to take it in his stride
COLONEL Soobramoney Govender is a policeman who walks tall with a chest swelling with pride.
When the Chatsworth father of five took charge of the newly built Phoenix police station in the giant suburb north of Durban he had prepared himself for a mountainous task ahead.
From all the things I heard about the place I had expected quite a rough time in my new job, said Col Govender.
But that was not to be. Now, just a few weeks short of his first year at the helm, Col Govender says, Phoenix is not bad as it seems.
Col Govender who holds a bachelor’s degree in Police Science, has made it to the top from humble beginnings.
Brought up in Umzinto on the South Coast, Col Govender, 53, left school in Std 6 to pursue many years later the most noble job one can do. With dogged determination and the will to succeed he overcame the odds and graduated with a degree from the University of South Africa. Though he lists an
impressive record of accomplishments since he became station commander at Phoenix, Col Govender says he owes much to his highly motivated staff”.
On his instructions a month ago Phoenix police confiscated and destroyed liquor worth R20 000 in a major swoop on shebeens in the township. Since taking up his position in December last year Colonel Govender said there were 550 arrests for dagga offences, 65 mandrax related arrests and the closure of 231 shebeens in Phoenix. The success of such operations, says Col Govender, depends much on the cooperation the police receive from the public. Without their help there can‘t be much success. I have insisted on treating information from the public with the strictest confidence. Such anonymity has ensured that the police get sufficient cooperation from the residents. It has helped us a lot. Also, the feedback we get from the school headmasters, community leaders and local affairs officials is very encouraging, he said.
However, said Col Govender, common crimes are still prevalent. Considering the high rate of unemployment one can expect crimes against property such as housebreaking and thefts. Is he getting job satisfaction? Immensely, said Col Govender. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else”.
