Special Edition Nongqai Volume 17 No 11A South African Police Sergeant Dhanabalan Moodley A Life of Service, Dedication and Family

KEY WORDS Dhanabalan Moodley, South African Police, Wentworth Indian Training College, Mountain Rise Police Station, Krugersdorp, 29 Years of Service.

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South African Police

Sergeant Dhanabalan Moodley

A Life of Service, Dedication and Family

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

Early life and education

Dhanabalan Moodley, was born on 14th February 1950 in Pietermaritz Street, in the city centre of Pietermaritzburg. He spent his early childhood in this part of the city and attended the nearby HYMA school at the corner of Church and William Streets and Nizamia primary school in Retief Street. These schools played an important role in educating Indian children during a time when educational facilities for them were limited. They were State-Aided schools established through a partnership between local business persons, community members and the State. Their purpose was to help meet the growing need for education among Indian children. Moodley’s childhood was marked by a great personal loss. When he was only eight years old, his beloved father sadly passed away. This was a difficult experience for such a young child, and it brought major changes and caused trauma to his life. To ensure that he received proper paternal care and continued with his education, his mother sent him to live with his maternal uncle in Stanger, on the North Coast of Natal. Although he had to grow up without his father, the lad continued with his schooling and made the best of the invidious circumstances in which he found himself. While living in Stanger, he successfully completed Standards Six, Seven and Eight. This was a commendable achievement, especially after experiencing the great loss of his father at such a young age. His early life helped shape the man he would become. He learnt to face difficulties, accept responsibility and keep moving forward. These qualities would serve him well in his future career in the South African Police.

Enlistment into the South African Police

On 3rd April 1968, Moodley began a new chapter in his life when he joined the South African Police at Mountain Rise Police Station in Pietermaritzburg. According to him; his recruitment was processed by my Dad Sergeant Mariemuthu.

At the time, Mountain Rise Police Station was commanded by Sergeant T Nel, with Sergeant Bosman serving as the second-in-command. On the very same day that Moodley joined the Police, he and several other recruits were taken by police van to the South African Police Training College at Wentworth, Durban. Among those who travelled with him were Gops Kavari, Sivenarian and Gangapersad, together with other recruits. They were beginning an important stage of their lives, one that would prepare them for the demands and responsibilities of police work.

SA Police basic training at Wentworth

Dan underwent six months of intensive basic police training at the South African Police Training College in Wentworth, Durban. Training required discipline, physical fitness, commitment and the ability to follow instructions. It included demanding physical exercises and foot drill, as well as preparation for the responsibilities expected of a police officer. The training was an important foundation for his career. Recruits had to learn to work together, respect authority and understand the discipline required in the Police. For Moodley and his fellow recruits, it was also an opportunity to build friendships that would remain part of their memories of those early years. At the end of September 1968, the group successfully completed its training and passed out at Curries Fountain football ground in Durban. This was a proud occasion for the recruits, marking the successful completion of their basic training and their readiness to take up police duties.

Members identified

Second row, L – R, 3rd M Pakiry, Troop Leader, transferred to SA Police Erasmia in the Pretoria West District,  promoted to rank of  Captain, is now deceased; 6th Sivenarian, Medico-Legal PMBurg.
Third row, L - R, 5th Sagadevan, “Sakkie”, Accounting Officer SA Police, Training College, Wentworth & Chatsworth; 11th R Kavari, Warrant Officer, a border veteran serving in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Caprivi Strip and RSA Internal Borders and is now deceased;
Fourth row, L - R,  7th D Moodley

Return to Mountain Rise

After successfully completing his training, Dan was transferred back to Mountain Rise Police Station. He was assigned to crime prevention duties, which formed an important part of everyday policing. The crime prevention squad was under the overall command of Sergeant Gentle. The members included Filie Fourie, Valie Ungerer, Dan Njilo, Ndlovu, Madlala, Nene and others. Their duties required them to remain alert, patrol their assigned areas and help prevent crime. Dan also worked alongside other Indian police members stationed at Mountain Rise. They included Balakrishnan, Peru Naidu, Cattigan, Gona Moodley, Narainsamy Naidoo and Marie Pather. These members formed part of the station's history and contributed to the daily work of policing the community.

Transfer to the West rand

In November 1968, Dan was nominated for transfer to the South African Police in Krugersdorp. He left Pietermaritzburg and reported to his new posting, expecting to begin work there. However, upon arrival, he was informed by the Station Commander, a Warrant Officer, that accommodation was not available for Indian police members at Krugersdorp. As a result, he was transferred over the telephone to Randfontein Police Station. This sudden change meant that he had to adjust once again to a new place and different living arrangements. When he arrived at Randfontein, the Station Commander, also a Warrant Officer, allocated him one of the servants' quarters situated above the motor vehicle garages. The accommodation was basic and lacked proper conveniences. There was no hot water, and when he needed it, he had to collect it from a place some distance away in the White residential quarters. These conditions reflected the difficulties that Indian police members experienced under the racial separation policies of the time. Dan had to accept the accommodation provided and continue with his responsibilities, even though the arrangements were far from comfortable. Despite these challenges, he remained and carried out the duties assigned to him.

Cycle patrols in Randfontein and Azaadville

At Randfontein, Dan was assigned to cycle patrol duties. One of his responsibilities was to visit vacant houses within his patrol area. These patrols formed part of the work required to monitor neighbourhoods and help prevent crime. Later, when Azaadville was declared an Indian residential area and construction began, Dan was assigned to patrol the developing area by bicycle. Houses were gradually being built, and residents began moving into their new homes. As the neighbourhood grew, police patrols became an important part of the local policing arrangements. Dan was the only Indian policeman assigned to the area, and he was responsible for carrying out these cycle patrol duties there. By the end of 1969, another Indian recruit, VN Pillay, was transferred to Randfontein. Pillay was given a bicycle and initially accompanied Dan on patrol. The two members worked together before their duties were divided between them. One worked the night shift while the other during the day. Pillay was later called up to attend basic police training at the South African Police Training College in Wentworth, Durban. During his absence, Dan continued with his cycle patrol duties in Azaadville.

After successfully completing his training, Pillay returned to Randfontein and resumed his cycle patrol duties. However, after a short period, he was transferred back to Mountain Rise Police Station in Pietermaritzburg for personal reasons. Loga remained at Randfontein for several more years. His stay there lasted until approximately 1974 or 1975, when he was finally transferred back to his original station, Mountain Rise. His years in Randfontein were an important part of his service. He had experienced difficult accommodation, worked away from his home town and carried out patrol duties in an area that was developing into a new residential community.

Return to Pietermaritzburg

When Moodley returned to Mountain Rise Police Station around 1974 or 1975, the station had a new Station Commander, Captain Walker. Among the prominent Indian police members serving there were JR David, Bob Sewpersad, Johnny Govender and Bala Naidoo.

Returning to Pietermaritzburg meant that Moodley was once again working in a familiar environment. However, he continued to take on different responsibilities as his career developed. His duties would extend beyond crime prevention and patrol work to include charge office duties, court administration and office-based responsibilities. These different postings gave him an opportunity to gain experience in several areas of policing. They also showed that the work of a police officer involved more than patrolling streets and responding to complaints. Record-keeping, communication, court preparation and the handling of official documents were also essential parts of the Service.

Marriage and family life

In 1976, Dhanabalan married Lallie. Their marriage marked an important chapter in his personal life. While he continued to serve the South African Police, he and Lallie began building their life together as a family.

On 1 May 1978, the couple welcomed their son, Vishal, into the world. His arrival brought great happiness to the family. As their only child, Vishal became the pride and joy of his parents. Balancing family responsibilities with a career in the Police required commitment and patience. Police work could involve long hours, shift duties and responding to complaints whenever required. Dhanabalan continued to fulfil his professional responsibilities while also supporting his family.

During this period, Bob Sewpersad was promoted to the rank of Captain. He became the first Indian member in the Natal Inland Division to attain that rank and was appointed Station Commander of Mountain Rise Police Station. His appointment was an important development in the history of Indian police members in the division.

Duties at the District commandant's office

Moodley was later transferred to the Office of the District Commandant in Pietermaritzburg, within No 45 (Pietermaritzburg) District. There, he was employed in the Registry, where he handled important administrative work. The Registry played a significant role in the flow of official information. Correspondence received from Head Office, new regulations, instructions relating to members and police stations, dress requirements and information about other important matters had to be recorded and distributed to the appropriate offices. Accuracy and proper record-keeping were essential. Official documents had to reach the correct people, and information had to be handled carefully. Although this work was different from his earlier duties in crime prevention and patrols, it was an important part of the smooth running of the Police. Loga worked under the supervision of Warrant Officer MR Khan, who later became a Captain and has since passed away. The District Commandant at the time was Colonel JJ Nel, who was later succeeded by Colonel WF Vorster, who subsequently became a Brigadier. His work in the Registry gave him further experience in police administration and exposed him to the wider organisation of the Service. He was no longer working only at station level but was involved in the distribution and management of information affecting police members and stations.

Moodley was later nominated for transfer to Divisional Headquarters, Natal Midlands, where he continued with similar administrative duties. At first, he worked under the supervision of Warrant Officer Donnie Rossouw. After Rossouw's departure, Moodley was placed in charge of a group of young police members and civilian personnel. This appointment brought additional responsibility, as he had to oversee the work of others and help ensure that the office's duties were carried out properly. The Divisional Commissioner at the time was Brigadier M Van Eyk, who later became a Lieutenant General and served as Chief Deputy Commissioner. Working at Divisional Headquarters allowed Moodley to gain further knowledge of the administrative side of policing and the wider structure of the organisation. Throughout his career, Moodley had worked in different environments and under several commanding officers. He had served in crime prevention, bicycle patrols, the charge office, court administration and the Registry. Each posting gave him a different understanding of police work and its responsibilities. His career also demonstrates the important contribution made by members whose names may not always appear in prominent historical accounts. The work of police stations and headquarters depended not only on senior officers but also on the members who carried out daily duties, maintained records, prepared documents and supported the operational work of the organisation.

Members Identified

First row, L – R, 7th Lieutenant P Pillay; 9 A Kandhai

Second row, L – R, 14th B David; 15th RE Peters; 16th S Naidu; 17th J Naidu

Third row, L- R, 3rd D Moodley; 10th S Dayanand; 15th M Singh

Service at the Medico-Legal Laboratory

Moodley later applied for a post at the South African Police Medico-Legal Laboratory in Alexandra Road. In this role, he assisted the District Surgeon with the post-mortem examinations carried out there. This work differed greatly from his earlier experience in patrols and administrative offices. It brought him into contact with another important area of police work, where medical examinations could form part of the process of investigating deaths and establishing facts relevant to official enquiries. He served in this position for approximately three years. Thereafter, he was recalled to the Registry of the Area Commissioner's office. His movement between different offices and duties reflected the varied nature of his career. He had gained experience in both operational and administrative work and had served in several parts of the police organisation. After many years of service, Moodley retired in 1997. His career had taken him from Mountain Rise in Pietermaritzburg to Krugersdorp and Randfontein, and later to district, divisional and medico-legal offices. These experiences formed the story of a policeman who continued to serve through changing responsibilities and different stages of his life.

The pride and joy of his parents

Moodley and Lallie's son, Vishal, grew up to achieve a significant milestone of his own. He qualified as a medical doctor in 2004, bringing great pride and happiness to his parents. Vishal began working as a doctor in the Trauma and Emergency Unit at Milnerton Medical Central. He later joined Inter-Care. Through his medical career, he dedicated himself to caring for people and helping those who needed medical attention. For Moodley and Lallie, their son's qualification was a special achievement. They had watched him grow from a young child into a qualified professional. His success must have brought them much joy, and his career was a source of pride for the family. The story of Moodley's own life had begun with the loss of his father when he was only eight years old. He had continued his education under difficult circumstances, joined the Police Service as a young man and worked in different parts of the country. In later years, he had the happiness of seeing his only son qualify as a doctor and build a career in medicine.

Seated Bob Sewpersad; Johnny Govender; Kercy Pillay Standing, Logan Govender; Dhanabalan Moodley; Sunny Moodley; Zulu Haffajee; Mansingh

Captain Marlin Smith; Anand K Pillay; Mike Nagamuthoo; Dhanabalan Moodley

Logan Govender; Captain Marlin Smith; Anand K Pillay; Mike Nagamuthoo; Dhanabalan Moodley

Cookie Govender; M Pakiry; VN Pillay; Johnny Govender; David Pillay

Unidentified; VN Pillay; David Holby; Mike Nagamuthoo; D Moodley; Logan Govender

Mike Vadivelu; M Pakiry; J Govender; D Moodley

D Moodley; P Hembert

Pipes Haffajee; Johnny Govender; Bala Naidoo; Bob Sewpersad; Dhanabalan Moodley; Mike Nagamuthoo

Bob Sewpersad; Anand K Pillay; Mike Nagamuthoo; Dhanabalan Moodley; Umesh Deopersad; Pipes Haffajee; Jerome de Villiers

The sad loss of their only son Dr Vishal

Tragedy struck the family on 25 February 2024, when Vishal suddenly passed away while hiking on Table Mountain with fellow doctors. His unexpected death was a devastating blow to Moodley, Lallie and all who knew and loved him. A son who had brought so much happiness and pride to his parents was suddenly gone. The loss was made even more painful by the unexpected circumstances in which it occurred. Family members and friends were shocked and deeply saddened by Vishal's passing. The pain of losing a child is difficult to express in words, and such a sudden loss leaves many unanswered questions and painful memories. Vishal's life, however, remains an important part of his parents' story. His achievements, his medical career and the memories shared with family and friends will continue to be treasured. Although he is no longer with them, the love they have for him remains. This account of Moodley's life therefore records both his long career in the South African Police and the personal experiences that shaped him. It remembers the loss he experienced in childhood, the challenges he faced during his service, his marriage to Lallie, the joy of raising Vishal and the deep sorrow that followed their son's sudden death.

Pipes Haffajee; Dhanabalan Moodley; Unidentified; PH Maharaj; Sada Pillay; Omesh Deopersad; Johnny Govender; Cookie Govender; David Holby; Clifford Marion; Logan Govender

Acknowledgements

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.

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 be the glory.” Logan Govender