SPECIAL EDITION NONGQAI VOL 17 NO 9D

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

WARRANT OFFICER GOVINDSAMY VALU CHETTY

A LIFE OF 31 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

Warrant Officer GV Chetty

Keywords

South African Police, Durban North, Mount Edgecombe, Greenwood Park, Verulam, Govindsamy Valu Chetty, 31 years of service, police career

Abstract

Govindsamy Valu Chetty served in the South African Police for 31 years. He joined the police in 1961 and retired in 1992. During his career, he served at several police stations and completed specialist training. He was promoted to Sergeant and later to Warrant Officer and received several service medals. His career reflects dedication, commitment and many years of public service.

SPECIAL EDITION NONGQAI VOL 17 NO 9D

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

WARRANT OFFICER GOVINDSAMY VALU CHETTY

A LIFE OF 31 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

Warrant Officer GV Chetty

(Researched, authored, edited and prepared for publication by Logan Govender – [LG]. Based on information provided by Colonel Eddie Chetty.)

[LG]

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

INTRODUCTION

Govindsamy Valu Chetty was a dedicated member of the South African Police who gave 31 years of his life to public service. He joined the police on 18 September 1961 and continued serving until his retirement on 31 July 1992. During his long career, he served at several police stations and was tasked with a variety of duties and responsibilities. His career reflects a steady commitment to police work, his colleagues and the communities he served.
Govindsamy Valu Chetty was born at Mount Edgecombe on 12 February 1940.

He attended primary school at the Umdloti State Aided Indian Primary School in Verulam and further attended Verulam Indian High School in his secondary school years. He was an outstanding athlete at school both in field and track events.

MARRIAGE

He married Ms Rosy Naidoo from Ntumeni, Eshowe on 19 September 1966. They were married at the Subramanien Temple Hall in Umdloti Drift in Verulam. They had 4 children (two daughters and two sons)

 

Aunty Rosy and Warrant Officer GV Chetty

FOLLOWING DAD’S FOOTSTEPS

Their two sons followed in the footsteps of their father and joined the South African Police Services. Both currently hold the rank of Colonel in the SAPS and serve as follows;

Colonel MG Chetty (Eddie – eldest son) currently serves as the Provincial Commander: Transport Management under the Component: Supply Chain Management: Gauteng.

Colonel MG Chetty (Eddie – eldest son)

Colonel MG Chetty (summer dress)

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

TRAINING COLLEGE

WENTWORTH, DURBAN

PLATOON 71

January 1988 – June 1988

Member Identified

Second row, L-R, 8^th MG Chetty

Colonel SG Chetty (Suren – second son) currently serves as the Provincial Commander: Auxiliary Services under the Component: Financial Management: Western Cape.

Colonel SG Chetty (Suren – second son)

ENLISTMENT INTO THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

He joined the South African Police on 18 September 1961 at Verulam. At the time, a career in the police required discipline, dedication and a willingness to serve others, often under difficult conditions.  He was attested at The District Commandant’s office at Durban North (District 74). Upon attestation he was placed and stationed at SAP Durban North. These early years would have provided him with an important foundation for the responsibilities that followed throughout his career.

He served as a recruit (student) for more than a year before being called up to attend basic training at the Non-European Training Depot, Wentworth.

SA POLICE, NON-EUROPEAN TRAINING DEPOT, WENTWORTH, DURBAN
On 4 February 1963, Govindsamy attended the SA Police, Non-European Training Depot in Wentworth, Durban for basic police training. He was in Platoon 1 of 1963. (From the 1950s till 1961, basic police training at the South African Police Non-European Training Depot, later known as Training College Wentworth in Durban, lasted three months or less. In 1963, the basic police training course was extended to six months. The training included strenuous physical exercises, drill, and lectures on the law. This was the first group of recruits to undergo the new six-month training programme. The longer course prepared recruits for the demanding duties and responsibilities of police work. It was an important change in the training of police officers at the time. – [LG]).

A COLLECTION OF PHOTOS TAKEN DURING HIS BASIC TRAINING

Recruits dressed in civilian attire in the room of one of the recruits

Chetty 1^st from Left

Recruits against the barracks wall

Chetty extreme right

A group of recruits in one of the rooms

GV Chetty in black jersey

GV Chetty in his room

Recruits in the passage of the barracks

GV Chetty on the right

GV Chetty walking in the passage of the barracks

GV Chetty ironing in the laundry

Recruits from Platoon 1 of 1963

Recruits leaning against a State motor vehicle

GV Chetty squatting

Recruits hanging from the upper bars of gymnastics wall bars, part of a physical education or gymnastics exercise

GV Chetty first from left

The parade ground of the depot. Offices of the commissioned officers in the background

Meal time

GV Chetty in the centre of row on the right

Preparing for inspection “spittle & polish”

Preparing for inspection “spittle & polish”

GV Chetty seated on the bed

Chetty in his room changing into uniform

Chetty seated on the bed with other recruits preparing their uniform and equipment for inspection

A recruit is sweeping up whilst Chetty on his left is smearing polish on the floor

Recruits practising foot drill

Recruits practising foot drill

“Minor offence, minor punishment – all for one; one for all. Discipline, unity and duty.”

An Instructor from Troop 1 Members dressed in uniform

GV Chetty dressed in uniform

Constables Morgan Chetty, Lieutenant General, Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service and GV Chetty, Warrant Officer, members of Platoon 1 of 1963

His basic police training taught him discipline and physical strength. The training prepared him for the challenges of police work. He learned to be strong, focused and responsible. The strict discipline helped him to deal with difficult situations. These skills prepared him to face the realities of the outside world. His time at the depot would have further helped develop his skills, knowledge and discipline needed for police service.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

NON-EUROPEAN TRAINING DEPOT

WENTWORTH, DURBAN

TROOP 1, 1963

1963-02-04 – 1963-07-31

Members Identified

Rear row, L-R, Indian Constables, 1^st U Singh, Captain; 3^rd DGS Pillay, Captain; 8^th GV Chetty, Warrant Officer; 9^th Bob (R) Naidoo , Captain; 13^th RP Govender, Lieutenant-Colonel

Centre row, L-R, Indian Constables, 10^th S Pappa; 12^th TD John

Seated, L-R, Indian Constables, 2^nd Dewnund, Detective Warrant Officer;

6^th Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy, Captain; Indian Constables, 7^th Morgan Chetty, Troop Leader, Lieutenant General, Deputy National Commissioner, South African Police Service; 10^th Krishnasamy, Sergeant

SA POLICE, GREENWOOD PARK

After completion of his basic police training, he was posted to Greenwood Park on 31 July 1963. His continued service at Greenwood Park shows the importance of this station during the early part of his career.

Constable GV Chetty with combination set and revolver

MECHANICAL SCHOOL

In August 1964, he attended an Intensive Course at the South African Police, Mechanical School, Benoni. The duration of the course was from 17 August 1964 to 9 October 1964. The course involved advanced tuition, theoretical and practical instruction in the driving, care, handling and maintenance of police vehicles. In those years the duration of the course was 6 weeks considering it was an advanced and Intensive course to promote safety of both humans and preservation of State-owned property.

This specialised training added another area of knowledge to his police career. Training such as this was important in developing members who could carry out duties efficiently and deal with the practical demands of police work. He was one of the first few members of Indian descent nominated to attend this course conducted at that time.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

MECHANICAL SCHOOL

BENONI

CLASS 1

AUGUST – OCTOBER 1964

Seated in Motor vehicle, L-R, 3^rd GV Chetty, far right

SA POLICE, MOUNT EDGECOMBE

On 7 June 1965, Govindsamy was posted to Mount Edgecombe.

(According to information available the police station has 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 stands precisely as it did as at the year 2000.

The Station strength consisted of only a few members. The Station 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. –[ Apostle / Warrant Vinod Singh]. Singh was stationed there from 1978.)

Black and white photo of the old Mount Edgecombe Police Station

(Courtesy Captain Hansraj)

Colour photo of the old Mount Edgecombe Police Station

(Courtesy Captain Hansraj)

SA POLICE, CHATSWORTH, UNIT 02

A few months later, on 1 September 1965, he moved to Chatsworth.

Govindsamy was transferred to the first Indian-staffed police station in South Africa on the instructions of Colonel CC Von Keyerslink, who was the Divisional Commissioner of Police for Port Natal. He moved from SAP Mount Edgecombe to Chatsworth, where he did not know anyone. He eventually found shared accommodation with a family who welcomed him and treated him like a son and brother. He worked alongside members of his platoon that included Lance Sergeant DJ Lamech, as well as I/Second Class Sergeant Kristnasami and I/ Senior (First Class) Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy.

These postings gave him experience in different communities and environments. Working at different stations would have required him to adapt to new colleagues, different duties and the needs of the communities in each area.

The Station Commander was Indian Chief Sergeants S Pillai and the CID Branch Commander was VR Moodley.

Chief Sergeant Subramoni Pillai and Warrant Officer G Smit discuss plans for the new Chatsworth Police Station – the first entirely Indian-Staffed station in South Africa. In the background a section of the temporary police station can be seen

(Courtesy of the Pillai family. The original black and white photograph was kindly colourised by Ms Jenny Bosch.)

SA POLICE, VERULAM

Govindsamy’s career continued to progress. On 1 August 1967, he was posted to Verulam. He remained in police service as he built up many years of practical experience. GV Chetty requested a transfer closer to home, being Verulam, after being married to Rosy Chetty in September 1966. His transfer was eventually approved on 1967-08-01 to SAP Verulam. At SAP Verulam, he focussed on grooming, developing and sharing his experience and knowledge with young police officers starting off with their careers with the police. SAP Verulam became a home wherein he settled in his career. At SAP Verulam, his dedication for duty earned him the respect of his commanders, peers in rank, junior members and most of all, the respect of the community at large which entailed residential communities and the business communities inclusive of the greater precinct farming communities.

His career was not limited to one station or one type of duty. Instead, he gained experience through different postings and responsibilities.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

STATION COMMANDER AND STAFF

VERULAM

FEBRUARY 1970

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

MEMBERS OF INDIAN DESCENT

VERULAM

CIRCA 1978

One of the important milestones in his career came on 1 October 1971, when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. This promotion recognised his experience and ability and placed him in a position of greater responsibility. As a Sergeant, he would have had responsibilities that included supervising and guiding other members and helping to ensure that police duties were carried out properly.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

STATION COMMANDER AND STAFF

VERULAM

JUNE 1978

On 1 April 1980, Govindsamy was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer. This was another significant step in his career. The promotion reflected the many years of experience he had gained since joining the police in 1961. It also meant that he carried increased responsibility within the organisation.

Warrant Officer GV Chetty in the Charge Office at SA Police, Verulam with 2 unidentified colleagues circa 1980’s

Colleagues of Warrant Officer GV Chetty From Verulam in 1978

Standing, L-R, I/Cst Rama and Sgt G Govinden

Seated, L-R, I/Cst K Reddy and B/ Detective Sgt AS Sigodlwana

Warrant Officer GV Chetty

Standing, L-R, Detective Sgt Govinden and Hurrie

Seated, L-R, W/O GV Chetty and W/O Appadu (NC Naidu)

WARRANT

By The Honourable The Minister of Police

SA POLICE, TRAINING OFFICER’S COURSE

In mid 1983 W/O GV Chetty was nominated to attend a SA Police Training Officer’s Course.

This responsibility would have allowed him to share his knowledge and experience with other members. Training officers play an important role in preparing police members for their duties and helping to maintain professional standards.
His vast experience and skills guided and trained many young police officers in the Durban North District (District 74) which consisted of the following stations; namely Durban North, Greenwood Park, Inanda, Mount Edgecombe (Later SAPS Whitehouse and SAPS Phoenix), Verulam, Tongaat, Umhlali, Glendale, Stanger and New Ark. During that time, the Mortuaries were linked to the SAP and investigation and administration into all MEDICO LEGAL work was thought to young police officers in conjunction with the knowledge gained alongside working with district surgeons.

Warrant Officer Chetty was tasked with training young students and police constables as well as other police officers in general police work as well as specialized work such as work done at the charge office, general enquiries, investigations including young/ new detectives assigned to carry dockets.

Warrant Officer Chetty trained these young members from a position of authority on such specialized work (examples of such work detailed medical evidence revealed or retrieved during Postmortems and compilation of reports in consultation with District Surgeons appointed of that time as well as presenting expert testimony in court proceedings as and when required)

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

TRAINING OFFICER’S COURSE

NO 10/1983

30-08-1983 – 1909-1983

Members Identified

First row, L-R, 1^st Warrant Officers Bob (R) Naidoo, Captain;

Second row, L-R, 1^st Warrant Officers Derrick (S) Moodley, Captain; 2^nd Warrant Officers K Govender; 4^th T Singh, Colonel; 5^th D Baitchu, Captain; 6^th SM Govender, Captain

Third / Rear row, L-R, Warrant Officers 2^nd D Bhawanideen, Lieutenant-Colonel; GV Chetty; H Badul, Brigadier

COUNTER INSURGENCY COURSE – (COIN)

From 1988-11-19 to 1988-12-31 Warrant Officer GV Chetty attended a Counter Insurgency Course (COIN) at Maleoskop in Grobersdaal.

Counter-Insurgency training focused on preparing police members to deal with guerrilla warfare.
Training included patrols, tracking, field survival, and operating in difficult terrain. They were taught how to gather information and protect important areas. They also learnt how to work with local communities and respond to changing threats. The aim was to improve discipline, readiness, and effectiveness during operations.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

COUNTER INSURGENCY TRAINING (COIN) M57/88

MALEOSKOP – GROUP 1

1988-11-19 to 1988-12-31

Members Identified

Second row, L-R, 2^nd Lieutenant D Bhawanideen, Lieutenant-Colonel; Captain L Marimuthu, Brigadier; Lieutenant R Michael, Captain;

Third row, L-R, 4^th Sergeant DV Pillay, Lieutenant-Colonel; 5^th Warrant Officer GV Chetty

Fourth row, L-R, 5^th Sergeant VN Pillay, Warrant Officer

Another important period of his career came in 1989, when he performed border duties. In 1989 he served at the RSA Border from 13 July 1989 till 21 September 1989.. He was based at Nietferdien. Border duties required members to work in different conditions from ordinary station duties and called for discipline, alertness and adaptability.
His service continued into the early 1990s, a period during which his experience and knowledge were increasingly recognised.

CERTIFICATE OF AWARD

REGISTRATION CLERK

On 12 April 1991, he was appointed or trained as a Registration Clerk. This shows the variety of responsibilities he undertook during his career. His ability to take on different duties demonstrates his vast experience within the police service.

DURBAN NORTH DISTRICT

Warrant Officer GV Chetty was appointed on 1 March 1991 as the Commander of the District Office Registry at the office of the then District Commissioner: Durban North.

To further equip him in his position and placement there he was nominated to attend a Registry course on 1991-04-12 that he successfully completed.
His career had therefore come full circle, from joining at Durban North in 1961 to serving there again in 1991.

Both, Warrant Officer GV Chetty and his eldest son, then W/O MG Chetty (now Colonel) was also stationed at the District Commissioner’s office worked at the District Stores office. Father and son had the only and final opportunity to work side by side in different components at the same office (District Commissioner: Durban North – District 74).

RETIREMENT

Govindsamy Valu Chetty retired from the South African Police on 31 July 1992. By then, he had completed 31 years of service. His retirement ended a long career that had included numerous postings, training courses, promotions, special duties and awards.
A career of 31 years represents much more than a period of employment. It represents years of early mornings, long days, responsibility and service to the public. It also represents the relationships formed with colleagues and the experiences gained while working in different communities.

Govindsamy Valu Chetty retired after 31 years, having served his organisation and community through a long and varied career. His record of service, from his first posting at Durban North to his later return there, together with his promotions, training and medals, provides a lasting tribute to his dedication and commitment.

Warrant Officer GV Chetty and former colleagues at his retirement function in 1992

Standing, L-R, W/O Deokaran, Cst T Naidoo, W/O GV Chetty, Mrs Chetty, W/O S Moonsmy, Sgt J Naidoo A/Clerk M Parsaramen

Seated, L-R, Sgt G Naik, Cst C Swartz and Cst V Rajkoomar

DAD’S SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS BY COLONEL EDDIE CHETTY

Dad was a keen sportsman in his time. After resuming his transfer to Verulam on 1967-08-01 he became a keen soccer player and played for young springboks, a Mount Edgecombe based side in the early days. His DAD, Mr MV Chetty also played for the Springboks team from Mount Edgecombe.

W/O GV Chetty also played soccer for SAPS Verulam when tournaments were held against other stations from within the district or outside.

There were also tournaments in which he played with other/ inter government departments like the SA Prison service.

In the late mid to late 70’s he became a Southern Natal Referee and refereed many important local soccer tournaments.

The soccer games were played at the various KZN recreational public grounds for example Verulam, Curries Fountain, Wentworth, Tongaat and Mount Edgecombe

He was also a keen sportsman of the SAPS Durban North District Sport Club.

In his later years at Verulam in the 80’s decade he participated in the SAPS District Road Races held on a few occasions and facilitated by the SAPS Durban North District Sport Club officials

The races scheduled at the time were as follows over different years;

Route from the Inanda Game Reserve (Upper Inanda) to SAPS Verulam

Route From Fair-breeze Hotel (in Tongaat) to SAPS Verulam

Route from Umdloti Beach to SAPS Verulam.

Dad in his school years was an outstanding athlete

My Dad’s father, Mr MV Chetty played for Springboks a Mount Edgecombe soccer team

Service Medals in order of precedence

• 1991-04-11 SA Police Medal for Combatting Terrorism;
• 1988-04-01 SA Police Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Commemorative Medal;
• 1991-04-11 SA Police Star for Merit, 30 years;
• 1981-09–18 SA Police Star for Faithful Service, 20 years;
• 1979-05-01 SA Police Medal for Faithful Service, 10 years

Acknowledgement

I wish to recognise and thank the Editor in Chief of Nongqai, Brigadier Hennie Heymans for his tireless, often unseen efforts in helping with the creation and publication of this magazine.

An experienced and highly skilled officer with an exceptional memory. His father served in the South African Police, stationed at Mount Edgecombe during the 1940s and later at Durban Central, Somtseu Road, and Rossburgh. The Brigadier holds a Master’s degree in Strategy. In 1964, he was stationed at Wentworth alongside Lieutenant-Colonel (Ray) Mathura Munilall. He also served at King’s Rest (now Brighton Beach), later as Public Relations Officer at Head Office, District Commandant at Welkom in the Free State Province, in the Soweto Region, and at ISU Headquarters.

• Colonel Eddie Chetty for his magnanimous contribution to the compilation of his Dad’s biography
• ALL photographs were supplied by him unless otherwise specified;
• I thank my family, for their patience, encouragement, and understanding throughout the journey of researching, compiling and refining this tribute.

“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