Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy

First Indian law instructor SA Police

Non-European training depot

(Black and White photograph kindly colourised by Ms Jenny Bosch)

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

- Calvin Coolidge

First policeman of Indian descent to be appointed to the position of law lecturer / ínstructor at the SA Police, Non-European, Training Depot, Wentworth in Durban. His appointment from the position of Senior Sergeant was due recognition for his unstinting service and his deep understanding and insight of police protocols and procedures. His task was a daunting one as he had to teach, inform and educate the recruits in understanding their position in law enforcement, and their legislated duties.

After induction, the recruits were exposed to both practical and theoretical classes. It was in the classroom, that Sergeant Govindsamy, in his confident and polished style, motivated the young recruits why it was important to be a servant of the people. He used a series of legal and policing skills to protect and serve members of communities in accordance with the Constitution of South Africa.

He was often seen walking across the parade grounds with his law books under his arm, and often stopped to advise or guide recruits in their deportment and attitude to their chosen vocation.

(Courtesy Colonel Eddie Chetty)

Members Identified

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

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

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

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

He commenced duties in 1962 together with the Drill Instructor and the Physical Education Instructor, and they formed a formidable trio to inculcate a value system within the minds of recruits drawn from different parts of the country.

Often, recruits found the first weeks of enlistment challenging, and Sergeant Reddy proved to be an able mentor, compassionate and caring, but at the same time, strengthening his disposition as a disciplinarian. Some quit but those who stayed in their system eventually were eloquent in their praise of their instructors.

As law instructor / lecturer his teaching of law, its principles and policies, and procedural laws that play an important role in legal practice through their use in the enforcement of the rights of members of the public. He also used civil procedure, criminal procedure, and the law of evidence as the building blocks in his classroom. It was his understanding that recruits should be skilled and professionally trained in procedural laws. He believed that members of the services should have a thorough and foundational theoretical knowledge of procedural laws, but also the necessary practical skills in applying that knowledge to serve and protect the community.

Seated, L-R, Indian Constable, 2nd DJ Lamech, Captain; 6th Senior Sergeant Govindsamy Reddy, Captain

(Courtesy Colonel Henry Budhram)

His typical day included planning and delivering lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars on various law topics, using the curricula and course material that was available at that time, collaborating with other academics and lecturers to improve teaching methods and expand knowledge base and setting and assessing assignments, tests, and examinations. His goal was on training a well-rounded, disciplined and knowledgeable police officer who would be the ideal ambassador in law enforcement.

(Black and White photograph kindly colourised by Ms Jenny Bosch)

His various stints as Station Commissioner of Inanda SAPS, Stanger SAPS and Wentworth SAPS demonstrated the legal prescripts that he taught to recruits as essential tools in serving and protecting the community at large.

RG REDDY

Brother of the late Captain Govindsamy Reddy, the former Principal of Windsor High School, Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal

“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