SAP Verulam (1969) – Nongqai Vol 17 No 6
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
LONG SERVICE AWARDS FOR INDIAN POLICEMEN
Abstract
This article describes a special ceremony held on 4 April 1969 to honour Indian policemen for long and faithful service in the South African Police. Three policemen received medals for completing eighteen years of excellent and unblemished service. The event took place at Chatsworth Police Station during a passing-out parade attended by senior police officers. Constable MP Govender was also recognised as the best all-round trainee and received a trophy for outstanding performance. The ceremony celebrated dedication, discipline, loyalty, and the valuable contribution of Indian policemen to their communities and the country.
Keywords
South African Police, Indian policemen, Long service awards, Chatsworth Police Station, Community service
(Courtesy Independent ALL-Indian Weekly dated Friday, 4th April 1969. Chief Librarian, UKZN, Mr Thiru Munsamy, Gandhi / Luthuli Documentation Centre)
(Researched, authored, edited and prepared for publication by Logan Govender – [LG])
“The Nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”
– Calvin Coolidge
[LG]
On Friday, 4 April 1969, a special ceremony was held to honour Indian policemen for their long and faithful service to the police force. The event recognised members who had dedicated many years of their lives to maintaining law and order and serving their communities with commitment and professionalism.
Three policemen received long service medals for completing eighteen years of unblemished service. These officers were Detective-Sergeant C Govindarajulu, Constable A Subben of Durban Central, and Sergeant N Appadu of Verulam. Their medals were presented by Brigadier JM Benade, the Divisional Commissioner of Police for the Port Natal Division.
The ceremony took place during a passing-out parade at the Chatsworth Police Station. It was an important occasion that brought together senior police officers and members of the force to celebrate the achievements of the award recipients. Receiving a long service medal was a great honour because it recognised not only the number of years served but also the high standard of conduct maintained throughout those years.
The event also highlighted the achievements of police trainees. Constable MP Govender was recognised as the best all-round student during a six-month training period. In recognition of his excellent performance, he was presented with a trophy by Brigadier Benade. This award showed the importance of hard work, dedication, and professional development within the police service.
During the ceremony, Brigadier Benade encouraged the policemen to continue giving their best efforts in carrying out their duties. He reminded them that policing can be a challenging and demanding profession, but that officers must always remain dedicated to serving the public and upholding the law.
The long service awards ceremony was a proud moment for the Indian policemen who were honoured. It recognised their loyalty, dedication, and valuable contribution to the safety and well-being of their communities. Their achievements served as an example to younger officers and demonstrated the importance of commitment, discipline, and public service within the police force.
Overall, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to policemen who had devoted many years to serving their country and community with distinction.
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
VERULAM
20th AUGUST 1965
Second row, standing, Indian Sergeant N Appadu
(Courtesy Verulam Historical and Heritage Society)
“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
