Lt-Col Ray Munilall Mathura

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RAY MUNILALL MATHURA: SA POLICE

NOGQAI VOL 17 NO 1C

Brigadier H Heymans

Special Edition Nongqai please!

Thank you.

Logan

Extract

Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura (1937-1993) was a groundbreaking Indian South African police officer. He served with great dedication during the apartheid era, a time when strict racial rules limited opportunities for non-white members.

Born in 1937, he joined the South African Police on 19^th April 1960 and served for more than 30 years. Despite strong racial discrimination, he rose through the ranks. During 1975, he was commissioned.

Mathura’s career showed determination and courage in the face of hardship. He inspired others to serve their communities with pride, discipline, and integrity. Although he passed on 25^th April 1993, his achievements are still honoured today. Police history records, including the Nongqai archives and he is also featured in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre’s website gallery entitled, South African Police Indian Veteran. The centre serves as both a living archive and a tribute to the Indian community’s legacy in South Africa and recognise him as one of the great legends of the South African Police.

Keywords

Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura,

South African Police,

Indian commissioned officers,

Apartheid-era policing,

Police leadership,

Port Natal Division,

Mechanical School Benoni,

Commissioned rank 1975,

Police professionalism,

Letters of appreciation,

Community respect,

South African Indian police history,

Chatsworth Durban,

Nongqai archives,

Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RAY MUNILALL MATHURA

A LIFE OF DUTY AND A LEGACY OF HONOUR

Cover

Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura in mess dress

FOREWORD

by VIKASH MATHURA,

Son of the late LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RAY MUNILALL MATHURA

Mr Vikash Mathura son of Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura

My father, Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura, passed away on 25 April 1993, and this year, our family will be commemorating his 33^rd death anniversary. Each year, we remember him for the life that he led, for the man that he was, and for the legacy that he left behind. Today, more than

three decades after his passing, nothing brings me greater pride than to hear members of the public still talking nostalgically and respectfully about my father’s achievements as one of the country’s top cops of his generation.

My dad joined the South African Police (SAP) on 1960-04-19 until 1990-10-31. He was a gifted academic and a talented sportsman. Both of these qualities would serve him well for the next 30 years of his committed service to the country’s police force. Despite the lack of qualitative opportunities that existed for policemen and women of colour during the apartheid era, my father worked his way up the ranks through dedication, hard work, resilience, and unwavering tenacity.

His record, his no-nonsense personality, and his strategic-thinking ability to solve the most complex crimes in the country saw him becoming the Head of the CIDs (Criminal Investigation Department). He despised criminals. Consequently, he dedicated his life to fighting for justice for the innocent victims of crime. Perhaps, that is why so many civilians still remember him fondly.

When I reflect on the many policemen and women who I had the privilege of meeting at the many police stations where my father served as Station Commander in the 1970’s and 1980’s, I recall that all of them, without exception, were disciplined and fearless police officers. Every one of them

had shed blood, sweat, and tears to earn the rank that they were carrying.

As a young boy growing up in that era, I recall the many nights when my father would be suddenly called away to visit a gruesome crime scene. I recall the many weekends that he would spend at the police station “booking dockets”. I recall the endless hours he would invest in taking courses and writing exams to make himself multi-lingual and almost fluent in Afrikaans. And I recall that he would even invite strangers who had fallen victim to crime to meet him at our family home to discuss their problems. He would listen intently to their challenges before offering strategic advice. My family and I are grateful to Major General (Professor) George D Govender, Colonel Logan Govender and team for documenting men like my dad so that their stories and their contributions to shaping this country and our communities are never forgotten. My father is my hero. I have imbibed his work ethic and so many of his values. But I am just a shadow of the man that he was.

Vikash Mathura

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RAY MUNILALL MATHURA

A LIFE OF DUTY AND A LEGACY OF HONOUR

Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura in mess dress

Authored, researched, compiled, edited, and submitted for publication by Logan Govender [LG], drawing on information provided by his son Mr Vikash Mathura, Major General (Professor) George D Govender, as well as various sources, police personnel, and other contributors.

Logan Govender [LG]

AUTHOR’S NOTE

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

With great respect, I present this Special Edition of Nongqai, which honours the life and service of Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura. His work and values continue to inspire the people who worked with him and those who chose a life of service.

This story is based on memories, personal stories, and historical records shared by his son, Mr Vikash Mathura; Major General (Professor) George D. Govender; former colleagues; family members; and other contributors. Personal stories from both Vikash Mathura and Major General Govender give a warm and personal view of Ray Mathura as a loving husband, father, and a pioneering police officer.

Ray Munilall Mathura was born in Mayville on 01^st August 1937. He came from humble beginnings and went on to become one of the most respected detectives in the South African Police. He served from 1960-04-19 until 1990-10-31, when he had to retire early due to illness. Throughout his career, he was known for his honesty, discipline, and strong sense of fairness. He earned the respect of his fellow officers and the trust of the communities he served, even during difficult times with many challenges and limited opportunities.

Major General (Professor) George D Govender adds valuable insight through his professional experiences. He served under Lieutenant-Colonel Mathura and shares first-hand knowledge of his leadership, guidance, and investigative skills. His reflections describe policing in mid-20th century South Africa, when officers worked with few resources in tough conditions and solved difficult cases through courage and determination. His words show that Lieutenant-Colonel Mathura was not only a leader, but also a role model who set high professional standards and shaped the character of those around him.

In 1961, history was made when the first Indian instructors were appointed at the South African Police Non-European Training Depot in Wentworth, Durban. Among them were Lance Sergeants Ray Munilall Mathura and Munsamy. They served under the command of Warrant Officer Odin Audley Moorcroft with Platoon 01 in July 1961.

During 1962 he was selected to attend a six-week Mechanical Course in Benoni. This course included both theory and practical training. He was taught how to drive police vehicles safely, as well as how to care for, handle, and maintain them properly. The training was advanced and very intensive for that time. Because of its high level, the course lasted six weeks to make sure officers understood vehicle safety. The main purpose was to protect people and to prevent damage to government-owned vehicles. On 1966-12-08 he successful completed this advanced course on the handling, driving, maintenance and safekeeping on State owned motor vehicles at the South African Police, Mechanical School in Benoni, Gauteng.

His achievements are still honoured to this day. Police history records, including the Nongqai archives and he is also featured in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre’s website gallery entitled, South African Police Indian Veteran. The centre serves as both a living archive and a tribute to the Indian community’s legacy in South Africa and recognise him as one of the great legends of the South African Police.

This publication is a tribute of remembrance. Its purpose is to honour the dedication, sacrifice, and integrity of officers like Ray Munilall Mathura. By remembering those who served with honour, we protect a shared history that belongs to all South Africans.

[LG]

A SHORT STORY ABOUT MY DAD – MR VIKASH MATHURA

Born in Mayville on 1 August 1937, Munilall Mathura was one of 12 siblings. Three of them would go on to become Police Officers. He was popularly known as “Ray”, and so the name “Ray Munilall” would stick throughout his 30-year career with the South African Police (SAP). He was a high academic achiever and even received a double-promotion when he was a young scholar. But in the 1940’s, educational opportunities were few and far between for the impoverished family, and he found himself having to abandon his studies at a young age to seek employment. He joined the SAP on 1960-04-19 and would go on to serve with distinction until 1989. He served at various Police Stations including Mayville; Chatsworth and CR Swart Square. His values were underpinned by Commitment; Discipline; Honesty and Hard Work.

He was a no-nonsense fearless policeman and was credited for solving many high-profiled crimes and apprehending many notorious criminals. He married Bindu Maharaj on 4 August 1968, and they were blessed with three sons: Dilkash; Vikash and Avinash.

Ray and Bindu at the City Hall, Durban 1979

But he always insisted that policing was too dangerous a career for any of his sons to pursue. He insisted that they obtain University Degrees and follow a much safer life. He spent many hours away from his family, often attending to crime scene investigations, even on weekends. Such was his commitment to his work, that he served as the country’s highest ranking Indian Detective with the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) for much of his career, eventually attaining the rank of COLONEL.

He retired from the police service in 1989 without any pomp or ceremony. Unfortunately, he passed away on 25 April 1993…sadly, without any Police Honours either. He is still fondly remembered by friends and family for being a pioneer in the SAP during an era in which opportunities were limited for policemen of colour. He is survived by his wife; three sons; and 4 grandchildren.

Submitted by Vikash Mathura (6 September 2021)

INSERT BY MAJ GEN (PROF) GEORGE D GOVENDER

Major General (Professor) George D Govender

(Courtesy [GDG])

Professor George D Govender, PhD, Criminology (Security Science) SOE., F.I.S. (SA) – Past governor of the South African Institute of Security (SAIS) board of governors, Former Assistant Commissioner (Major General) in the South African Police Service, Past President of the FBI Middle East, Africa Chapter.

Ray Munilall Mathura joined the SAP from 1960-04-19 until 1990-10-31. He served at various Police Stations including Mayville; Wentworth, Chatsworth, CR Swart Square and at the district headquarters at SAP Chatsworth as the District Head of Detectives in District 75, Chatsworth District. He retired from the police service 1990-10-31. He passed away on 25 April 1993. I was mentored in the CID by the then Branch Commander Lieutenant Ray Munilall Mathura (later appointed as Colonel). During 1975, I joined the CID at Chatsworth, recruited by Lieutenant Ray Munilal Mathura and Senior Sergeant Hans Jisook (Late promoted to Maj General – Area Commissioner Durban Central). During this time, I was mentored to investigate many serious crimes, including the telephone Booth Murder, and other sensational cases which were being reported by the Post, Sunday Times and other media at that time. I worked very closely with popular news reporters, who provided firsthand information, when crime intelligence was non-existent during that time. I was posted to serve my probation period under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Arumugam Moodley.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was allocated an office block on the adjoining road, Road 221. (a two- or three-bedroom house re-designed to suit the needs of a CID). The cell block was a wood and corrugated iron structure with about six separate cells. An additional wood and corrugated iron structure was built at the rear of the police station charge office. This had one office for the Branch Commander of the Enquiry staff and the docket filing clerk. The rest of the office space was used for archiving case dockets and other documents according to the filing system of the then SAP. There were two other adjoining rooms, which was occupied by the Enquiry personnel (Enquiry Staff), who were responsible for investigating less- serious crimes, accidents, and the execution of warrants, summons, court orders and other court processes etc. This wood and corrugated iron building was adjoined to a toilet, which toilet was for the use of the detectives, enquiry personnel and members of the public. The cells each had a bucket system. Students were responsible together with the Charge office personnel, to ensure that these cells were cleaned daily. Clean blankets, beddings and toiletries were provided. Prisoners were fed according to specific mealtimes.

Female prisoners were kept in a separate cell, apart from males. These cells were visited daily by the Station Commander and his senior officers during specific intervals. In later years, prefab offices were built for the detectives and enquiry personnel and their commanders. There were about five additional offices for detectives and then Enquiry personnel. This police station recalls many good and bad memories.

Despite this poor working environment, Lieutenant Ray Munilall Mathura provided in depth guidance in criminal case dockets, which helped in building the knowledge, skills, talents and courage of investigators investigating cases under his command. He inspected case dockets over weekends and on public holidays and usually came to work about 5 am in the mornings, to book out case dockets. He also joined us on suspect raid operations late in the night and during early hours of the morning. He was a devoted commander, who had exemplary leadership qualities. I personally liked the guidance he provided, which helped me solve many of my criminal cases. He always made you feel comfortable at meetings and social gatherings. When I went to his home to discuss any new cases, he always made me comfortable, and his wife Bindu would offer tea and biscuits. I completed my detective probation period of I year under his command as head of the CID in Chatsworth. I built many years of experience working under Lieutenant Mathura, who later was promoted to Captain, and then to Major and Lieutenant-Colonel in the CID. I was groomed to investigate complicated and sensational Fraud, Housebreaking, Rape and Murder cases. These cases required of me as investigator to give evidence at local, Regional and Higher Courts in South Africa. Lieutenant Ray Munilall was a socialiser with big networks. His networks provided information in many criminal cases. He was very close to his family. He provided his family the best in education, social life, sports and other form of entertainment. He did this during difficult economic times, where there was disparity within the non-white ranks in terms of salaries and promotions. He still invited his colleagues, superiors and members of the public to his home during social events. He was a situational leader who had charisma and excellent people management skills. Lieut Col Ray Mathura Munilall Mathura attend my wedding ceremony together with his family in Chatsworth. I enjoyed working under the command of Lieutenant Col Ray Munilal Mathura. In early 1992, I was appointed at the Paarl College for Advanced Training as a lecturer. During January 1993, in the year he passed on, I was down in Durban, when I made a visit to his home at Burlington Heights, Shallcross, after he had retired. During April 1993, I heard that Lieut Col Ray Munilall Mathura had passed on.

Mathura attended the SA Police, Non-European Training Depot during 1960-04-19.

[GDG]

(It seems that Mathura and Munsamy were appointed as the first Indian training instructors at the SA Police, Non-European Training Depot in Wentworth, Durban. Mathura was appointed as Assistant Physical Training Instructor, and Munsamy as Assistant Drill Instructor. However, a platoon photograph taken in July 1960 does not show any Indian instructors. This suggests that the first Indian instructors may have actually been appointed in 1961, as shown in the photograph from that year. – [LG])

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

NON-EUROPEAN TRAINING DEPOT

WENTWORTH, DURBAN

TROOP 42, OCTOBER 1960

1 August to 31 October 1960 (three months)

(Courtesy family of Sergeant Annamalai Naidoo)

(By comparing the enlistment dates of Ray M Mathura (19 April 1960) and Davaraj A Naidoo (29 June 1960), it appears that Mathura likely completed his basic police training between May and July 1960 ahead of Naidoo, on the other hand, Naidoo completed his basic police training from 1 August to 31 October 1960 (three months). Based on this, I assume that Mathura was part of a platoon before Troop 42, most likely Troop 41 of 1960. However, I cannot explain where Mathura served from August 1960 until May or July 1961. – [LG])

Assistant PT Instructor, Sergeant Ray Munilall Mathura is seen presenting Recruit AG Vurdan and another unidentified recruit a miniature trophy. Vurdan was nominated the Best All round. The unidentified recruit, further information unknown

(Courtesy daughter of AG Vurdan, Mrs Sue Enoch)

Recruits from Troop 1 in July 1961 sitting on their toes as a form of ‘punishment’ for minor offenses. AG Vurdan is in the second row, far right.

(Courtesy daughter of AG Vurdan, Mrs Sue Enoch)

A select group of recruits from Troop 1 in July 1961

(Courtesy daughter of AG Vurdan, Mrs Sue Enoch)

“Wins cup for Smartness

“Indian Police Recruits in Pass Out Parade”

Colonel D Huxham, Officer Commanding, Port Natal Police, handing over a trophy for high marks for examination and leadership to Constable AG Vurdan

(Courtesy daughter of AG Vurdan, Mrs Sue Enoch)

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

NON-EUROPEAN TRAINING DEPOT

WENTWORTH, DURBAN

TROOP 1, JULY 1961

Members Identified

Front row, left to right, 1^st I/Sergeant Munilall, (Ray Mathura Munilall) Lieutenant-Colonel; 2^nd Constable AG Vurdan; 8^th Rama Chetty; 11^th I/Sergeant Munsamy (Assistant Drill Instructor)

Centre row, left to right, 1^st I/Constable Neermal; 2^nd SM Pillay; 5^th G Somaru.

Rear row, left – right, 5^th Dudley G Maharaj; 9^th G Vurdan.

(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Rama Chetty)

Centre row, left to right, 6^th OD Moorcroft

(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Odin Audley Moorcroft)

The Moorcroft family from left to right, Lee; Odin and his dear wife carrying Kim

(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Odin Audley Moorcroft)

Odin A Moorcroft

(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Odin Audley Moorcroft)

Warrant Office OD Moorcroft (Dark top and black shorts) the first South African Police member to attempt the Comrades Marathon

Warrant Officer Moorcroft in his mid 80’s

(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Odin Audley Moorcroft)

The undermentioned members trained under tutelage of Mathura and Munsamy in Troop 1 of July 1961

Left to right, Sergeant Dudley DG Maharaj and (NOT) David Holby (Trained at Duncan Village, East London or Bishop Lavis – [LG]) after being promoted to rank of Senior Sergeant during 1974

(Courtesy Captain David Holby)

Warrant Officer Rama Chetty and his dear wife

(Courtesy family of Warrant Officer Rama Chetty)

Sergeant AG Vurdan

(Courtesy his daughter Mrs Sue Enoch)

The South African Police embarked on a historic venture during September 1971, by conducting the first Efficient Commanders’ Course for Indian Police Sergeants at the Indian Police Training College, Wentworth, Durban.

 

Thirty-two Indian Police Sergeants selected from the uniformed and plain clothes groups of the Force from the Natal regions, gathered at the College on Wednesday, 1^st September 1971, to commence with the course.

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

FIRST EFFICIENT COMMANDERS COURSE – INDIAN SERGEANTS

DURBAN – SEPTEMBER 1971

Members Identified

Seated on the Ground, L-R, 1^st I/D/Sergeants Somaru; 2^nd N Naidoo; 4^th U Singh; 6^th Munilall.

Standing, L-R, 6^th AB Pillay; 7^th Krishnasamy; 10 Soobramoney.

Rear row, L-R, 5^th DGS Pillay; 6^th S Pappa; 11^th Mariappa; D Sewpersad.

(Courtesy families of Lieutenat-Colonel Soobramoney Govender and Warrant Officer Mariappa Pillay)

Photograph of members recently promoted to Commissioned rank in 1975

Officers Identified:

Rear row, standing, from left to right, 1^st Unidentified; 2^nd RP Govender; 3^rd Unidentified; 4^th Morgan Chetty (Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General – [LG]); 5^th S Moodley; 6^th Soobramoney Govender; 7^th Manikum Govender; 8^th Unidentified; 9^th JM Manual, (Deputy Commissioner, Lieutenant General. [LG]); 10^th Perumal Moodley.

Front row, seated, from left to right, 1^st Benjamin; 2^nd Ray Munilall Mathura; 3^rd – 6^th Unidentified.

(Courtesy family of Lieutenat-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

Soobramoney Govender is commissioned together with other Officers during 1975, their promotions were effective as from 1^st April 1975.

“Foto Regs Onder : Indiërlede wat na afhandeling van kursus verwittig is dat hulle vanaf 1 April 1975 in die rang van Luitenant aangestel sal word.

Van links na regs: Kaptein H J Fischer (Kursusleier), Generaal Majoor P W Kruger (Hoofkantoor), kaptein B J du Plessis (dosent)

Agter van links na regs: I/Luitenant Soobramoney, M Chetty, Munilall en B Munsamy (Foto SAKB Springs)”

(Courtesy family of Lieutenat-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

Four Indian policemen were yesterday congratulated by Brigadier Sydney Smit, Divisional Commissioner of Police for Port Natal, on receiving their commissions to the rank of lieutenant …

“Four Indian policemen were yesterday congratulated by Brigadier Sydney Smit, Divisional Commissioner of Police for Port Natal, on receiving their commissions to the rank of lieutenant. Seen here with the Brigadier, they are (from left to right) Lieutenant M Chetty of the Indian SAP Training College at Wentworth; Lieutenant H Munsamy of the CID, Durban; Lieutenant Munilall of the CID, Wentworth; Lieutenant Soobramoney, at the uniformed staff at Chatsworth. Their promotions came into effect on April 1.”

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

Lieutenants Manikum Govender (Station Commander) and Ray Munilall Mathura (Branch Commander, Detective Branch), SA Police, Chatsworth, Unit 5 after their promotion to Commissioned rank

(Courtesy family of Lieutenat-Colonel Manikum Govender)

Passing Out Parade held at SA Police, Training College, Wentworth, Durban circa late 1970’s

From L-R, 2^nd Lieutenant Ray Munilall Mathura; 3^rd Captain S Pillai; Minister JT Kruger, Minister of Police and Prisons

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel S Pillai)

A Medal Parade held at SA Police, Training College, Wentworth, Durban circa 1980. Lieutenant Ray Munilall Matura was awarded the South African Police Medal for Faithful Service, 10 years Long Service and Examplary Conduct.

Officers and members standing at ease awaiting the command of the Parade Commander, Captain Morgan Chetty circa 1979 at a Medal Parade held on the grounds of the SA Police, Training College, Wentworth, Durban

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

Officers and members at Medal Parade marching to the designated

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

During 1979 Officers and members on parade awaiting to receive the South African Police, Medal for Long Service (10 years) are from left to right, Lieutenant Ray Munilall Mathura; Captains Manikum Govender; Soobramoney Govender; (behind, S Govender) Sergeant Gurunjulu Naidoo. (Presumably after 1980 at the SA Police, Training College, Wentworth, Durban training grounds. – [LG])

Officers and members at a Medal Parade marching off to the designated under the direction of the Parade Commander, Captain Morgan Chetty

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

The parade in being inspected by the Divisional Commissioner, Port Natal, Brigadier Jan Visser accompanied by Parade Commander, Captain Morgan Chetty

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

“It was congratulations all around – and a pause to adjust a medal for Captain S Govender while his brother Captain M Govender looks on. Doing the honours is Lieutenant Munilall (Ray) Mathura. All three received awards for faithful service.”

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

After being awarded the South African Police Medal for Faithful Service (10 years), for Long Service and Exemplary Conduct. From left to right, Lieutenant Munilall (Ray) Mathura; Captain Manikum Govender admires the medal pinned on Captain Soobramoney Govender’s breast pocket.

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

Four brothers were among several policemen who received long service medals from the Divisional Commissioner for Port Natal, Brigadier Jan Visser. Lieutenant Ray Mathura, head of the Chatsworth CID and his brother, Warrant Officer Dhawcharan Mathura of Stanger have between them more than 30 years of service.

The other two brothers receive long service awards were Captains Munsamy Govender, Station Commander, Chatsworth and his brother Soobramoney Govender.

In the picture Brigadier Jan Visser is seen with (from left) Lieutenant Ray Munilall Mathura; Major S Pillai; and Warrant Officer Mathura

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Subramoni Pillai)

Lieutenant-Colonels 2^nd, Ray Munilall Mathura, 4^th Soobramoney Govender at an unidentified function

(Courtesy family of Lieutenant-Colonel Soobramoney Govender)

This photograph was taken in circa 1980 at a Passing Out Parade when Ray Munilall Mathura was still a Lieutenant

Standing at the back, from left to right: Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura and his wife Bindu

Standing at the front, from left to right, are his sons Dilkash (11), Avinash (7), and Vikash (9)

Photograph taken during 1981/82 of a group of detectives attached to the detective branch at CR Swart Square

Rear row, L-R, 1^st Ray Munilall Mathura; 6^th Captain Jerry Naidoo

(Courtesy Captain Jerry Naidoo)

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE

JUNIOR MANAGEMENT COURSE 5/1987

SA POLICE, MECHANICAL SCHOOL, BENONI

(Courtesy family of Captain DJ Lamech)

Officers Identified:

Front row, seated, from left to right, 1^st Major S Govender;

Rear row, standing, from left to right, 2^nd Captain (f) ISS Chetty;

3^rd Captain VR Naidoo; 4^th Captain C Jissok; 5^th Major DS Maharaj;

6^th Captain M Govender; 7^th Captain DJ Lamech; 8^th Captain AB

Pillay; 10^th Captain Ray Mathura Munilall; 11^th Captain RP Govender; 12^th Captain B Sanker; 13^th Captain Govindsamy Reddy;

“FIRST INDIAN COMMANDER OF POLICE DISTRICT APPOINTED Crime Reporter: 1987-12-10 A Chatsworth Police Officer has made history by becoming the first Indian to take command of a police district in South Africa. The Senior Chief Deputy Commissioner of the SAP, General RPJ van Vuuren, made the announcement in Durban today during the passing out parade of Indian policemen and women at the King’s Park Stadium. General van Vuuren announced that the new Indian police district would be based in Chatsworth and Major Sharma Maharaj would be the commander. Major Maharaj is at present the station commander at the Chatsworth Police Station. Initially four police stations would come under the control of the police district which has yet to be named. The stations are Chatsworth, Isipingo, Cato Manor and Sydenham. Major Ray Munilall Mathura will be its first Indian District Criminal Investigation Officer.”

This photograph was taken in circa 1986 at an event hosted by the SAP.

Members of SA Police at the Chatsworth District in 1988. A social function

(Courtesy Brigadier Chris Thaver)

AFTERWORD

As this Special Edition of Nongqai ends, it is fitting to reflect once more on the life and meaning of Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura’s service. His story is not only about rank or achievement, but about character, duty, and quiet strength. He served during a difficult period in South Africa’s history, yet he remained guided by honesty, discipline, and fairness. These values defined his career and earned him lasting respect.

Lieutenant-Colonel Mathura’s early retirement due to ill health brought his formal service to an end, but it did not diminish his influence. It is my sincere belief that the expertise, skills, professional acumen, and leadership qualities he possessed were of such a high order that, had his health allowed, he could have risen to the very highest ranks. In another time and place, he would surely have stood among the leading Indian generals of the 1990s. His early retirement robbed the service of even greater contributions he could make.

The skills, insight, and leadership he showed throughout his career continued to live on in those he mentored and worked with. Many who served under him carried his standards forward, shaping their own careers through the example he set. His absence from higher command was a true loss, not only to the police service, but to the broader community he was capable of serving at even greater levels.

The memories shared in this publication remind us that behind the uniform was a devoted family man and a person of deep humanity. As a husband and father, he led with care and humility, qualities that mirrored his professional life. These personal qualities made him not only a respected officer, but also a deeply admired human being.

This afterword serves as a final salute to a life of service well lived. By remembering Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura, we affirm the importance of integrity, sacrifice, and commitment. His legacy remains a guiding light, reminding future generations that true leadership is measured not only by position, but by the lives touched and the values upheld.

[LG]

The following service medals awarded to him in order of precedence

1. 1988-04-01 – The South African Police Seventy Fifth Anniversary Commemorative Medal;
2. 1990-04-19 – The South African Police Star for Merit for 30 years of Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct;
3. 1980-04-19 – The South African Police Star for Faithful service for 20 years Faithful service and Exemplary Conduct;
4. 1978-04-19 – The South African Police Medal for Faithful Service, 10 years Long Service and Exemplary Conduct.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Munilall Mathura retired 1990-10-31 and sadly passed on 25^th April 1993.

I want to acknowledge and respect these Officers for tireless behind the scenes, efforts in the production and publication of this magazine.

Brigadier Hennie Heymans, Editor in Chief of Nongqai

He worked with Munilall at the SA Police in Wentworth during the 1960s and speaks of him with the highest admiration, offering nothing but praise for our legend.

An experienced and highly skilled officer with an exceptional memory. His Dad was stationed at Somtseu Road and Mount Edgecombe during the 1940’s. Brigadier holds a master’s degree in history. Was stationed with Lieutenant-Colonel (Ray) Mathura Munilall at Wentworth. He was also based at King’s Rest (Brighton Beach); and amongst others, Soweto Region, The Public Relations Officer at Head Office and later a District Commandant at Welkom in the Free State Province.

Captain DME Lazarus

A Stalwart of SA Police, Chatsworth, Unit 02 & Unit 05, later SA Police, Training College, Chatsworth and Supply Chain Management, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. An experienced and highly skilled officer with an exceptional memory.

Captain (Sooks) P Sokaloo

Laying a wreath at a Commemoration Service in Pietermaritzburg. His Dad was a World War 11 veteran. An experienced and highly skilled officer. He was nominated by Lieutenant General Andre Pruis to represent the SA Police at Interpol in the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, etc

I must also acknowledge the outstanding contributions and enduring commitment of those who strive to preserve our policing heritage.
My sincere thanks go to:

• Brigadier Hennie Heymans [HBH], Editor-in-Chief of Nongqai, whose scholarship, experience, and visionary dedication made this Special Edition of Nongqai for Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Mathura Munilall possible.
• Major General (Professor) George D Govender [GDG], for his guidance, encouragement, and steadfast support.
• Advocate Karen Pillay, daughter of the late Colonel Rungasamy “Dickey” Munsamy, for her professional insight, guidance, steadfast support and motivation.
• Advocates (Lieutenant General) Sally Khan, Yolan Denness, Lieutenant-Colonel (Advocate) Jay Govender, Major General Oswald Reddy; Captains DME Lazarus and PS Sokaloo, for their valued contributions and shared historical knowledge;
• And finally, to my family, for their patience, encouragement, and understanding throughout the journey of compiling and refining this tribute.

“Agnoscere et honorare servientibus” –

“To acknowledge and honour those who served”

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

Logan Govender