Nongqai Vol 17 No 10 – (18) Capt Lazarus

A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN DONAN MARTIN ETIENNE LAZARUS

KEYWORDS

Captain Donan Martin Etienne Lazarus, South African Police heritage and history Dedication, service and commitment, Preserving the stories of former police officers, Honour, gratitude, lasting legacy

ABSTRACT

Captain Martin Lazarus helped preserve the history of South African Police members of Indian descent. He shared valuable information and helped identify former police officers. His efforts made it easier to record their careers and contact their families. His dedication ensures that their service, sacrifices and achievements are remembered. His legacy reflects respect, gratitude and a commitment to preserving our police heritage.

Captain Donan Martin Etienne Lazarus

(Authored, edited and prepared for publication by Logan Govender – [LG].)

Logan Govender – [LG]

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

DME Lazarus receiving the trophy from the Divisional Commissioner, Port Natal for the Best all Round Student

In Recognition of His Contribution to Preserving Our Police Heritage
During July 2020, I was working on compiling a biography of the police career of Lieutenant-Colonel S Pillai, who sadly passed away on 5 December 1982. His former personal assistant, Ms Neela Naidoo, provided me with valuable information and suggested that I contact Captain Martin Lazarus, a well-known and respected Durban Police officer.
Since making contact with Captain Lazarus, he has become an invaluable source of information in my efforts to research, record and preserve the heritage and history of South African Police members of Indian descent. His knowledge, willingness to assist and dedication to this important task have made a significant contribution to my work.
Captain Lazarus has an excellent memory of the past and can often recognise police members in photographs taken during their younger years. This remarkable ability, together with his knowledge of former members, has helped me identify many individuals whose contributions might otherwise have been forgotten.
The majority of South African Police members of Indian descent came from Durban. However, finding information about their police careers was not always easy, and records were often difficult to obtain. Before I made contact with Captain Lazarus, very little information was readily available. His assistance opened many doors and enabled me to gather valuable details about the lives and careers of these dedicated police officers.
He went even further by locating retired police members and providing me with written summaries of their police careers. This made it much easier for me to trace and contact their surviving family members, allowing me to obtain further information and preserve their personal stories for future generations.
His generous support, tireless efforts and willingness to share his knowledge have played a vital role in making this project possible. His contribution goes far beyond providing information. He has helped ensure that the service, sacrifices and achievements of these police members are recognised and remembered. Without his continued assistance and commitment, it would have been extremely difficult to achieve what I have accomplished thus far.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE OF THANKS
Captain Lazarus, your contribution has been far greater than you may ever realise. Through your kindness, guidance and willingness to share your knowledge, you have helped bring the stories of many former police officers back to life. You have assisted me in preserving not only their police careers but also their place in our history.
Your efforts have helped ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn about the dedication, discipline and service of these officers. Their stories deserve to be told, their sacrifices deserve to be acknowledged, and their achievements deserve to be remembered with pride.
I will always remain deeply grateful to you for the time and effort you have devoted to this important undertaking. Your support has been a source of encouragement and has strengthened my determination to continue documenting the history of our police members of Indian descent.
Thank you, Sir, for your generosity, dedication and commitment to preserving our heritage. I salute you with the greatest respect and admiration.

A LASTING LEGACY
The name of Captain Martin Lazarus will undoubtedly be remembered in the annals of history for his outstanding contribution to recording and preserving the accomplishments and achievements of South African Police members of Indian descent. His efforts have helped protect a valuable part of our history and ensure that the legacy of these officers will continue to inspire and inform future generations.
History is not preserved by records alone, but also by the people who remember, share and protect the stories of those who came before us. Captain Martin Lazarus has played an important role in this work. His dedication has helped ensure that the service and sacrifices of these officers will not be forgotten.
Thank you, Captain Martin Lazarus. Your contribution is deeply appreciated, your efforts are sincerely acknowledged, and your legacy will live on through the history you have helped preserve.
With heartfelt gratitude and the highest respect,
I salute you, Sir.

“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