W/O AW Moodley – Nongqai Vol 17 No 5

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

FORMER DURBAN TOP DETECTIVE

A LIVING LEGEND TURNS 97YEARS OLD

WARRANT OFFICER A W MOODLEY

Constable Aroo William Moodley walking from Durban Magistrate’s Court in 1953

(Researched, authored, edited and prepared for publication by Logan Govender – [LG])

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

[LG]

A former prominent Chatsworth Detective, Warrant Officer Aroo William Moodley who relocated to Sydney, Australia after serving the South African Police for over three decades celebrates his 97^th birthday on Monday 25th May 2026. He is born of an indentured labourer parents from India.

In 1952 he married the love of his life, Radhamoney and they extraordinarily shared 71 years of marriage until she passed on. Their union was blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, all now over the age of 70. The family has since grown to include nine grandchildren, aged between 35 and 47, and nine great-grandchildren ranging from 4 to 17 years old. Sadly, Mrs Moodley passed away on 9 April 2023 at the age of 90.

Moodley and his dear wife Radhamoney

He commenced his distinguished policing career on 26 October 1953 at the South African Police, Bellair, Durban.

Recognised for his dedication and ability, Mr Moodley was nominated for detective training and eventually transferred to the South African Police, Chatsworth Unit 2 Detective Branch during 1967, shortly after the station’s establishment. Throughout his service, he worked under and alongside many respected officers, earning the trust and admiration of his colleagues.

Among the many investigations he handled, one of the most significant occurred during 1968 following a tragic collision between two passenger buses on Higginson Highway. The accident resulted in numerous serious injuries and fatalities. Mr Moodley was tasked with leading the investigation. Through meticulous detective work, extensive enquiries and expert consultation with mechanical vehicle examiners, the matter was successfully brought before the Durban Regional Court. After enduring three days of detailed examination and cross-examination by Defence Counsel, his professionalism and evidence contributed to the successful conviction of the offending driver on charges of culpable homicide, resulting in a three-year term of imprisonment.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

CRIMINAL INVESTIGARTION DEPARTMENT

UNIT 02

CHATSWORTH

Warrant Officer William Moodley’s life stands as a testament to resilience, integrity, family devotion and dedicated public service.

Moodley is awarded service medals at SA Police, Chatsworth by the District Commandant, Brigadier Laas

After the medal parade at SA Police, Chatsworth Moodley is congratulated by senior Indian Police Officers

L-R, Captain Sharma (DS) Maharaj, former Station Commander of SA Police, Chatsworth, later Lieutenant General, First Indian Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng Province; Warrant Officer AM Moodley stands proudly with his awards; Colonel Morgan Chetty, former Commanding Officer of SA Police Training College, Wentworth, Durban, Lieutenant General, First Indian General in the South African Police and First Indian Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service

A reunion with his former Chatsworth colleagues during a previous visit

I had the immense privilege of meeting with him during his recent visit to South Africa. I was immensely impressed with his remarkable memory, sharp intellect and gentlemanly character that continue to inspire all who have the privilege of meeting him.

Happy birthday, Sir. God Bless you. I am looking forward to your visit again to South Africa, soon.

Thank you for serving and leading us.

“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