Capt Mogambery Govender (SA Police: Ret)

South African

African

African

African

Rungasamy

African

CAPTAIN BOB MOGAMBERY GOVENDER

Ms Malaini Choonoo

A hero is an ordinary person who faces extraordinary circumstances and acts with courage, honour and self sacrifice. Yup, that describes Captain Bob Mogambery Govender.

He never looked for glory or praise, but was always there to help, save and serve. Captain Govender was a selfless and fair person who protected the freedom of others and always did what was right. His service and sacrifice went beyond his call of duty to ensure the safety of all citizens.

Captain Govender conducted his service to humanity with immense pride, respect, courage and dedication. His great strength and ability to protect others, always ensured him to lead his team to greater heights. He always executes tasks assigned to him with great esteem and would not rest until a case is solved which makes him the envy of his colleagues and superiors alike. Captain Govender always worked for a cause and not an applause.

From routine duties to anti Insurgency operations, Captain Govender took risks every day to protect the public always displaying great integrity and enthusiasm in all his endeavours.

Captain Govender always conducted himself with honour therefore maintaining his personal credibility which is the most important asset as a law enforcement officer.

Heroes don’t wear Capes they wear badges and Captain Bob Mogambery Govender can be definitely regarded as the people’s hero.

Ms Malaini Choonoo

SPECIAL NONGQAI: A BRAVE, SELFLESS, DEDICATED AND DEVOTED STALWART: CAPTAIN BOB MOGAMBERY GOVENDER

Col Logan Govender & Captain Bob Mogambery Govender

Compiled by Captain Bob Mogambery Govender

Edited, set out and submitted for publication by Logan Govender

I was born on the 10th of December 1948 at 30 Moodie Street, Pinetown, Durban. I attended Pinetown State Aided Indian School and the Principal was the late Mr Loganathan. The late Lieutenant General Morgan Chetty was a locum teacher at the school in the 1960’s.

Left: Photograph Lieutenant General Morgan Chetty, late (Commanding Officer of SA Police, Training College, Wentworth, Durban; Deputy National Commissioner.) (Courtesy of the family of Lieutenant General Morgan Chetty)

After leaving school I temporarily worked at The Highway Mail Tabloid Newspaper as a receptionist. Thereafter, I also assisted my uncle, Mr Dags Govender in Pinetown at a Photographic studio taking photographs. Later during 1962 I worked at the South African Chair Manufacturing Company, assisting in the manufacture of chairs, ladders and anything dealing with timber, earning the sum of £1.16 (one pound, sixteen shillings) per week in 1963. During 1964 I worked in Boudin’s Shoe Manufacturing company, in the sole and clicking department cutting the soles and uppers for ladies’ shoes. I worked at this company from 15 May 1963 to 08 June 1966 earning the sum of R8.74 (Eight Rand and Seventy Four cents) per week.

The photo on the right: Bob Mogambery Govender as a young Constable

Illovo Beach Police Station

I joined the South African Police Force on 1966 06 20. I enrolled in Pinetown and was posted to Illovo Beach Police Station. The Station Commander was Warrant Officer Brand from 1966 till 1967. I worked in the Charge Office

The South African Police, Indian Training Depot, Wentworth

01 Oct 1966 I reported to The South African Police, Indian Training Depot, in Wentworth, for basic Police training and was in Platoon 8 of 1967. I completed my basic police training on 1967 03 31. Warrant Officer HL Schourie was the Commanding Officer of the College. Sergeant DJ Lamech was the Troop Sergeant and Drill Instructor. Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy was the Law Instructor and Sergeant Morgan Chetty was the PT and Law Instructor.

Photograph

South African Police, Indian College, Wentworth. Course 1 October 1966 to 31 March 1967. Platoon 8/1967. (Courtesy of Captain AM Adams)

Members Identified

3rd row, L R, Adams (Captain), 3rd; Saravana (SM Govender), (Captain), 10th (2nd from right). 4th row, L-R, 5th, Kurmunundh (K Chutterpaul), (Sergeant); 7th, Mogambery (Bob Govender), (Captain)

Photograph Captain AM Adam

Photograph Captain Saravana (SM) Govender (Courtesy of Captain Saravana [SM] Govender)

Photograph From left Constables M Govender (Captain); Raju; Krishnasamy Naidu (Sergeant)

South African Police, Illovo, KwaZulu Natal

After completion of my basic police training at The South African Police, Indian Training College, Wentworth, Durban I reported to SA Police, Illovo. (Situated between Winkelspruit and Karridene.Google) I lived in a room at the single quarters of the police station and worked shifts from 6am to 2pm, and 2 to 10pm. Crime in the area was not excessive, murders were mostly confined to the reserves. Post mortem examinations were held at the station, in a space behind the charge office by Dr Hendricks of Umkomaas. Whilst he was examining the deceased the doctor dictated the information and I wrote up details of the injuries inflicted on a notepad. Bodies were later transported to the mortuary at Scottburgh by the van driver.

South African Police, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu Natal

In 1968 I was transferred to SA Police, Amanzimtoti after which the Illovo Beach Police Station was shutdown.

The Station Commander’s at Amanzimtoti were Warrant Officers Rowlands in 1968 and Schmidt in 1969. No accommodation was provided at Amanzimtoti and most times I had to hitch a ride to and from work, as I had no transport from Pinetown. When I started work, I earned R48.00 per month and after deductions, I earned a net amount of R30.00 per month.

South African Police, Isipingo, KwaZulu Natal

In 1969 I was transferred to Isipingo and worked under Warrant Officers EE Keyter, late, followed by MRD Barker; and thereafter Lieutenant RD Coetzee, who’s acting second in command was Lieutenant Soobramoney. I performed shift and administrative duties from 1 April 1970 to 31 May 1970.

Whilst at Isipingo I underwent an advanced Mechanical Course in the driving, handling, maintenance and upkeep of State owned motor vehicles in Benoni where I obtained my Code 10 Heavy Duty driver’s licence.

South African Police, Mechanical School

Photograph South African Police, Mechanical School. Course. Class 4; 5 & 6, April to May 1970. Seated on the running board behind the front wheel, Constable Bob Mogambery Govender.

Capt Mogambery Govender

Photograph South African Police Mechanical School. Group, April to May 1970. Standing 3rd row, 2nd from right, Constable Bob Mogambery Govender.

Photograph

Close up of photograph, South African Police Mechanical School. Group, April to May 1970.

Counter-Insurgency training at Maleoskop

In 1973 I underwent Counter Insurgency training at Maleoskop Groblersdal in the Transvaal.

Coin Duty: Plumtree, Rhodesia

In 1974 I proceeded to Plumtree, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and performed border duties and also wrote and successfully completed the promotion examination to Sergeant.

Photograph

Photograph taken in 1974 at the Base Camp in Plumtree, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). Constable Bob Mogambery Govender with his R1 rifle.

Govender married his dear wife on 1973-04-08.

Photograph

Govender and his dear wife, Savy.

Certificate

Lieutenant DS (Sharma) Maharaj

Photograph

In 1980 I completed a Warrant Officer’s Course.

During the 1980’s Lieutenant Coetzee was succeeded by Lieutenant DS (Sharma) Maharaj.

Lieutenant General Sharma (DS) Maharaj, late (Station Commander SA Police, Isipingo, Chatsworth; District Commandant, Chatsworth District; Provincial Commissioner, Gauteng Province)

(Courtesy of the family of Lieutenant General Sharma [DS] Maharaj)

Lieutenant Rungasamy Munsamy

His second in command was Lieutenant DGS Pillay, late. However, Pillay was subsequently transferred to Wentworth and was succeeded by Lieutenant Rungasamy Munsamy, late (Colonel) who arrived in Isipingo in 1981.

Photograph Colonel Rungasamy Munsamy, late (Station Commander, SA Police, Phoenix; Commanding Officer, SA Police, Training College, Chatsworth)

After Munsamy’s transfer to Chatsworth District in 1986 (later to SA Police, Phoenix as Station Commander). During 1988 he was succeeded by Lieutenant M Perumal, late, (former Station Commander SA Police, Actonville, Benoni).

Whilst at SA Police, Isipingo the following duties were allotted to me:

• Processing of Firearm applications;

• In charge of Police Reservists and all accompanying matters;

• Processing of Injury Boards and Civil Claims;

• Checking of Charge Office Registers daily;

• Control and Maintenance of Government properties;

• Attending of Neighbourhood Watch meetings and related matters;

• Inspection of Parades when members reported on or off duty;

• Investigation of Departmental offences against Members;

• Investigation of case dockets against Police members;

• Sports Club matters;

• Prosecuting of departmental cases in the Durban South Area; Over the years I performed various types of police duties.

Certificate of Award

Certificate of Award

The South African Police Star for Faithful Service.

For 20 years Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct, 1986-06-12

In addition to the Uniform Branch, I also worked at the Detective Branch, Isipingo for 1 year under the command of Captain George Doraval Govender, (Major General [Professor]]).

Photograph

Photograph taken with members of Isipingo Detective Branch during 1987.

From left to right, Warrant Officer Bob Mogambery Govender; Warrant Officer Luke Joseph, late; Major General (Professor) George Doraval Govender; Lieutenant Mogambery Perumal, late. (Courtesy of Major General [Professor] George Doraval Govender)

Thereafter I was appointed the Branch Commander of the Accident and Enquiry staff performing duties such as supervision and inspection of case dockets, etc

Whilst at Isipingo I was also in charge of the Crime Prevention Unit during that period. I was also the Acting Station Commander at Isipingo, where I had to visit 10 other police stations in the Durban South district before and after midnight, twice a month.

Six other Police members and I made numerous arrests for various types of offences in the Isipingo CBD and the surrounding reserves. Approximately 400 to 500 persons were arrested and charged per month.

In addition to the above duties between 1970 to 1989 I performed duties in the Riot Unit at Kwa Mashu during the riots, as well as in Umbumbulu, Lamontville and Umlazi.

South African Police, Wentworth, KwaZulu Natal

In 1990 I was transferred to Wentworth Police Station, I also performed administrative, relief and Crime Prevention duties. The officers in charge were DGS Pillay, late (Captain) and Pete Naidoo, (Lieutenant Colonel) Bobby Naidoo (Major General) and later VG Naidoo, (Lieutenant Colonel) in 1993.

Possession of Unlicensed

Pistol Cal 7.6mm

2) Alt 75/1969/36

Possession of 6 Rounds of Ammo

19th August 1991

“The Station Commander

Sir,

Today, Warrant Officer Govender testified in my court in connection with this matter. He gave excellent evidence. He showed a complete command of all the relevant facts. He had a memory for details and the way he conducted the search was meticulous and thorough. What was particularly impressive was the profound grasp he displayed of some of the technical aspect of cases of this matter. He clearly knows his criminal law and giving evidence such as he gave, makes a prosecutor’s task easy. Warrant Officer Govender is a credit to the police force. He has, in my view, a good future with the force. I might add that although he was a single witness, the Magistrate had no hesitation in preferring his clear and logical testimony to that of the accused.

AD Collingwood Public Prosecutor”

• Transcript by Ms Candice Perumal, daughter of Warrant Officer Dan Perumal, late SA Police, Dannhauser

During 1993, I successfully completed my Warrant Officers course from 21 June 1993 to 09 July 1993.

Commission

By the State President of the Republic of South Africa 1 December 1994

Transcript of “COMMISSION

By the State President of the Republic of South Africa

To Mogambery Govender

Greeting

I, reposing special trust and confidence in your loyalty, courage, and good conduct, and acting on the advice of the Executive Council, do, by virtue and in pursuance of the provisions of section 3(1) of the Police Act, 1958 (Act 7 of 1958), appoint you as a commissioned officer in the South African Police as from the

1st day of December 1994

You shall therefore … as a superior officer. I further command … South African Police.

Given under My hand and the Seal of the Republic of South Africa at PRETORIA

on this 15th day of AUGUST 1995 State President of the Republic of South Africa NR Mandela S Mufamadi

By Oder of the State President in Council SAP 141

South African Police, Montclair, KwaZulu Natal

In 1994, I was transferred to the SAPS in Montclair and I worked under Brigadier Sayer and Brigadier CW Grobler, Lieutenant-Colonel S Gounden and Lieutenant-Colonel Pete Naidoo.

South African Police, Academy for Advanced Training Paarl, Candidate Course

Officer’s Course No 3/1995: Class 1, 1995 05 15 to 1995 06 15.

In 1995 I completed the Special Candidate Officer’s course at the SA Police, Academy for Advanced Training in Paarl from 15 May 1995 to 15 June 1995, successfully and was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Photograph

South African Police, Academy for Advanced Training Paarl, Candidate Officer’s Course No 3/1995: Class 1, 1995 05 15 to 1995 06 15. Front row, 3rd from right, Govender; 4th row, 2nd from left GEP Enoch (Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg).

University of Durban, Westville

In

attended the University of Durban, Westville

completed a course in the School of Public Policy

Development Management

in Police Station

Certificate

Durban Westville

Station Management

“NEW STATION HEAD TAKES THE HELM

JANUARY 21, 2000

A new station commander has taken command of the Montclair SAPS, following the transfer of the former commissioner, Supt Carel Grobler. Capt Mogambery Govender is the new man in charge at Montclair. Supt Grobler transferred to Pinetown SAPS in December. Capt Govender had 34 years’ service in the SAPS, five of which have been at Montclair. He was previously stationed at Wentworth, Isipingo and Illovo Beach. Cpt Govender will be acting station commissioner until his application for early retirement is finalised in April. He expressed commitment to the success of all crime prevention initiatives at Montclair SAPS.”

Acting Station Commander at Isipingo when the Station Commander was on leave, Acting Station Commander at SAPS Montclair, there was a staff complement of 150 Police officials under my Supervision and Management. I retired as a Captain on 30 April 2000.

Photograph Captain Bob Mogambery Govender at his retirement function

Transcript

ANOTHER TOP COP RETIRES

APRIL 28, 2000

Montclair police acting station commissioner, Cpt Mogambery “Bob” Govender, is another top cop leaving the service at the end of April after more than three decades of service. Supt Pete Naidoo, station commissioner at Brighton Beach SAPS, also retires this month. Cpt Govender (52) started his 33 years career at Pinetown in 1966. Transfers to Illovo Beach, Amanzimtoti, and Isipingo followed, and in 1974 he was appointed branch commander of the enquiry staff which served in the then Rhodesia. He was awarded a medal for combating terrorism in this time. He also policed KwaMashu and Lamontville during the unrest of 1976 and 1980. Besides notching up experience in the detective branch, Cpt Govender also served as a prosecutor from 1985 to 1990, enjoying the challenges of the courtroom. Cpt Govender transferred to Montclair in 1994. His pride for the service is obvious. “I’ve seen many changes in the police but truly believe that dedication, discipline and respect for fellow colleagues, is crucial for it to continue to make a difference,” Cpt Govender said. He is looking forward to his ‘early’ well earned rest. “I aim to enjoy my early retirement with the family, and will tour overseas,” he said. His wife, Savie, and daughters, Annerita and Melissa, look forward to having him around more often.” (Courtesy of Ms Candice Perumal, daughter of the Warrant Officer Dan Perumal, late

During my career in the police, I served on all facets of police duties such a

• Patrol Van Driver

• Charge Office Commander

• Performing Court duties

• Crime Prevention Commander

• Branch Commander of the Detectives at Isipingo

• Branch Commander of the Accident and Enquiry staff

• Investigation of Criminal cases

• Acting Station Commander at Isipingo when the Station Commander was on leave

• Acting Station Commander at SAPS Montclair, there was a staff complement of 150 police officials under my supervision.

Retirement

I partook in long distance running and maintained my fitness levels throughout the years by running in the mornings and one of my main hobbies involves Latin ballroom dancing. I donated 162 pints of blood thus far to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

Some Key Career Moments

In 1975, at 2:00 AM at the Blue Lake Cafe in Isipingo Beach, I observed 7 males breaking and entering and escaping with a large amount of goods. I shot 2 (two) males and wounded them. Later the other 5 (five) were arrested in Umbumbulu.

In 1977 at 4:00 AM, a suspect stole a vehicle from Isipingo Rail. I stopped the vehicle and the suspect ran, I then gave chase and suddenly he turned around and swung an object toward my body. I immediately defended myself and shot him. The deceased was in possession of a bush knife in his hands.

In April 2000, just before my retirement, I received a report of an armed robbery in Montclair, I observed a suspect running and I gave chase, he attempted to shoot at me but he had failed, he then threw the firearm and escaped into a nearby house. He was subsequently arrested and charged. The firearm was a 9 millimeter short and was recovered, it was discovered that the firing pin was broken and the accused was acquitted.

Major General (Professor) George Doraval Govender

Photograph

Major General (Professor) Govender

Captain Mogambery Govender@ Bob, was always a disciplinarian, who believed in maintaining high standards of discipline. He was an experienced police officer, who performed all the basic functions of policing at operational level with extreme diligence. He always supported his commanders operationally and in police administration. He displayed a high standard of investigation ability at the detective branch, where I was then the Detective Branch Commander at Isipingo SAP. Commanders could rely on his support as he was always willing to carry out any policing functions without any hesitation. Captain Mogambery must be applauded for having achieved academically during the latter part of his career, when opportunities were opened for police officials to excel academically towards obtaining higher promotions in the SAPS. Although this was challenging to many colleagues of his age group, he still made sure he achieved his goal of becoming a commissioned officer in the SAPS.

Apology

I wish to express my sincere apology and regret for the numerous delays in the completion of this work which were beyond my control. Unforeseen circumstances, including prolonged illness had prevented it from been published much earlier as anticipated. My apologies to the family of Captain Bob Govender and others persons who contributed and have made this publication possible. Logan

In Memory of Captain Govindsamy Reddy, Late Captain Bob Mogambery Govender

Photograph

Captain Govindsamy Reddy

The words such as legends and icons come easily to mind as well as indomitable spirit and fearlessness coupled with a sense of purpose culled through empathy and compassion. It is extremely rare to find all such qualities in the rarefied air of the South African Police. There are also many unsung heroes, the true foot soldiers on beat, the men and women who served with passion and distinction. It does not come easy as they are at the coalface with the communities, receptive to their trials and tribulations, their personal challenges and difficulties.

This afterword paints a poignant picture of a human being who gave 33 years of his life to the force, and retired at 52 to enjoy travelling, dancing and just being with the family. This serves to acknowledge his contribution as an officer and gentleman who progressed from constable to a commissioned officer at the Montclair SAP. Some milestones reflect his fearlessness and bravery.

These anecdotes include: In 1975, at 2:00 AM at the Blue Lake Cafe in Isipingo Beach, he observed 7 males breaking and entering and escaping with a large amount of goods. He shot 2 (two) males and wounded them. Later the other 5 (five) were arrested in Umbumbulu. Subsequently, in 1977 at 4:00 AM, a suspect stole a vehicle from Isipingo Rail. He stopped the vehicle and the suspect ran, then gave chase but the suspect retaliated with a bush knife. In April 2000, just before his retirement, he received a report of an armed robbery in Montclair, he observed a suspect running and gave chase, and the suspect responded attempting to shoot at him but he had failed as the firing p[in was broken. Generally, many do not talk about the threats to their live but still remain passionate in the execution of their duties.

This is just a snap shot of Captain Bob Mogambery Govender, a legend in his own right. My brother Captain Govindsamy Reddy, Station Commissioner at Wentworth SAPS, held him in high esteem and acknowledged that he was an officer beyond approach.

Mr RG Reddy, former Principal of Windsor Secondary School, Ladysmith. Brother of the late Captain Govindsamy Reddy.

Photograph

Brigadier Roland Clayton and Captain Bob Govender attending a function of Retired Police members in Pietermaritzburg during 2022.

Acknowledgements

• Brigadier Hennie Heymans for publishing a Special Edition of Nongqai to acknowledge and honour our dear Captain for his dedication and devotion to The South African Police and its community;

• Major General (Professor) George Doraval Govender for his insert;

• Mrs Malaini Choonoo for the Foreword;

• Mr RG Reddy for the Afterword;

• All photographs with the exception of those mentioned otherwise were provided by Captain Govender;

• Mr Dean Naidoo for converting pdf images to jpg;

• Last but not least my family for their support, patience and endurance during this completion of this.

“

et honorare

acknowledge and honour those who served

Photograph Captain Bob Govender; Lieutenant-Colonels Yusuf (Pipes) Haffajee and Pete Naidoo and Warrant Officer Anand K Pillay attending a function of Retired Police members in Pietermaritzburg during 2022.