South African Police: Lieutenant Kathavarayen Rajgopaul: A Dedicated and Hardworking Officer
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE
LIEUTENANT KATHAVARAYEN RAJGOPAUL
A DEDICATED AND HARDWORKING OFFICER
Kathavarayen Rajgopaul as a young constable dressed in black uniform during the 1930’s
He was born on 27th October 1915 in Verulam, North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Rajgopaul joined the South African Police on 02nd July 1937 probably at Clairwood.
The handsome young Rajgopaul as a wrestler in his youth
After seven years of service he was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department, Durban Central, Smith Street.
Indian Members of the Criminal Investigation Department, Durban Central
Photograph taken on the retirement of Detective Head Constable Kroukamp
19th May 1950
(The names of some of the members were indistinct on the scanned copy. – [LG])
Rear row, from left to right, Detective Constables RS Pather; M Moosa; M Govender; P Rajoo; PR Chetty.
Middle row, from left to right, M Samuel: AM Panday; A Parmanand; Samson Naidoo; Detective Sergeant K Rajgopaul (My Dad – Ms Poonie Rajgopaul)
Front row seated, from left to right, S Narainan; Detective Sergeant VR Moodley; Lieutenant AP Burger; Detective Head Constable HP Kroucamp; Freddie Moorgas.
(Names provided by the daughter of K Rajgopaul, Ms Poonie Rajgopaul from the original photograph)
He was a keen sportsman and captained the SA Police, Indian soccer team for eight years and was an assistant secretary to the SA Police, Indian cricket team. He was a physical culture expert and was placed second for two years in succession for having the best developed body in Natal. He was a wrestler and participated in events for the SA Police. He was an official at the SA Police Indian Amateur wrestling union in 1973/74 as a Referee, Judge, Timekeeper and Administrator.
During 1971 he was promoted to Commissioned rank, Lieutenant and transferred to SA Police, Chatsworth, Unit 02 as the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Unit.
He succeeded Special Grade Chief Sergeant VR Moodley on being appointed the second Branch Commander of Indian descent in 1972.
He was awarded the undermentioned medals :-
- The South African Police, Good Service Medal, for 18 years of Good and Faithful Service on 1955-07-02;
- The South African Police Star for Merit, for 30 years Faithful Service, Exemplary Conduct on 1967-07-02;
- The South African Police Medal for Faithful and Loyal Service, for 33 years Loyal and Faithful Service and Exemplary Conduct on 1970-07-02.
He retired in 1975 after completing 38 years unblemished service. Sadly he passed on 3rd April 1983.
“He was well built, tall, strong, and healthy. It was very clear that he came from a humble background with very strong cultural roots. He was one of the commanders who distinguished himself as a leader, who set the foundation for future detectives to follow on his footsteps.” – Major General (Professor) (George) Doraval Govender
“The memories and stories of Lieutenant Kathavarayen Rajgopaul will serve to remind us, his family, colleagues and citizens, that great men are built through character, discipline, commitment, fearlessness, hardship and patriotism. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace and may the legacy of this great man live on!” – Advocate Karen Pillay, daughter of Colonel (Dickey) Rungasamy Munsamy
“agnoscere et honorare servientibus” –
“to acknowledge and honour those who served”
“Soli Deo Gloria” – “To God Alone Glory”
Logan Govender
Dear Colonel Govender
Greetings. We trust you are well.
Thank you very much for the email and attached articles.
We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for the biography you have written and published about our late father, Lieutenant Kathavarayen Rajgopaul.
Your work is more than a tribute — it is a powerful testament to a life of courage, integrity, and pioneering service.
As one of the first Indian commissioned officers in the then South African Police, my father’s journey was both extraordinary and emblematic of a broader struggle for dignity and representation. Through your meticulous research, thoughtful storytelling, and respectful portrayal, you have not only preserved his legacy but also a vital chapter of our country’s history, as well as that of other equally dedicated police officers.
Your words have given us — and future generations — a way to remember and honour our father (and the other police officers) beyond memory.
We also wish to thank Major General (Professor) (George) Doraval Govender and Advocate Karen Pillay for their contributions – we deeply appreciate it with gratitude.
Colonel Govender, thank you for your dedication, your insight, and your commitment to telling stories that matter.
We are truly grateful.
With Warm wishes & our deepest gratitude.
May you always be blessed for your sterling efforts.
Poonie Rajgopaul (Ms), Kirben Rajgopaul and Jeeva Rajgopaul
Dear Colonel Govender
Greetings. We trust you are well.
Thank you very much for the email and attached articles.
We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for the biography you have written and published about our late father, Lieutenant Kathavarayen Rajgopaul.
Your work is more than a tribute — it is a powerful testament to a life of courage, integrity, and pioneering service.
As one of the first Indian commissioned officers in the then South African Police, my father’s journey was both extraordinary and emblematic of a broader struggle for dignity and representation. Through your meticulous research, thoughtful storytelling, and respectful portrayal, you have not only preserved his legacy but also a vital chapter of our country’s history, as well as that of other equally dedicated police officers.
Your words have given us — and future generations — a way to remember and honour our father (and the other police officers) beyond memory.
We also wish to thank Major General (Professor) (George) Doraval Govender and Advocate Karen Pillay for their contributions – we deeply appreciate it with gratitude.
Colonel Govender, thank you for your dedication, your insight, and your commitment to telling stories that matter.
We are truly grateful.
With Warm wishes & our deepest gratitude.
May you always be blessed for your sterling efforts.
Poonie Rajgopaul (Ms), Kirben Rajgopaul and Jeeva Rajgopaul