D Naidoo

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

WARRANT OFFICER DONAVAN NAIDOO

OFF-DUTY HERO: DONAVAN NAIDOO

Col Logan Govender

Abstract
Warrant Officer Donavan Naidoo showed great courage when he acted against dangerous suspects while off duty. Even after being injured, he continued to protect the public and helped stop a serious crime.
His quick thinking led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of several weapons. Naidoo’s actions show strong commitment to safety and duty. His bravery reflects the sacrifice many officers make with little recognition.

Keywords
bravery, police service, public safety, dedication, honour

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi with Warrant Officer Donavan Naidoo

(Courtesy of Mr Denver Naicker)

Mr Denver Naicker, Get Real Talk Show official

[LG]

“The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”
– Calvin Coolidge

“WARRANT Officer Donavan Naidoo of the National Intervention Unit while off-duty with his six-year-old daughter.

Despite being shot during a confrontation with dangerous suspects, Naidoo’s bravery led to two fatalities and one arrest, with multiple weapons.

His call to fight crime triumphed over the needs of his own child.

“Whilst off duty he planned and executed a successful operation within an hour of receiving a tip off and produced astonishing results. He initiated the operation to approach the extremely dangerous suspects who were driving in a hijacked vehicle. His courage propelled him to exchange fire with CIT (cash-in-transit) suspects where he was shot and injured but never retreated nor surrendered in pursuit of excellence.

“He fatally wounded two of them and arrested another one where two pistols were recovered, and later an M4 assault rifle was also recovered which later emerged that the rifle was taken from a CIT robbery where a guard was fatally wounded,” it read.

The SAPS said Naidoo established a well-informed informant network, and through his own initiative and dedication in combating crime, assisted in the attempt to arrest high profile perpetrators.

“His innovation saw him collaborating with private individuals who assisted him with the latest technology and equipment to track and trace suspects swiftly.”

“Each day, millions of police officers do the selfless work of putting their lives on the line to protect civilians, frequently responding to or preventing crises completely with no recognition.” – Letitia James

“agnoscere et honorare servientibus” –

“to acknowledge and honour those who served”

“Soli Deo Gloria” – “To God Alone Glory”

Logan Govender