An inspiring journey from police office to cancer advocate

Recently retired police officer Colonel Santha Moodley, a cancer survivor, shared her battle with cancer and her commitment to raising awareness with MONISHKA GOVENDER.

CELEBRATING cancer survivor day this year, is Nyanasagrie Moodley, better known as Colonel Santha Moodley, the former head of the Tongaat police station. 

Moodley retired from the SAPS last week, after 40 years of service.

In addition to her demanding career, the 60-year-old, from Belvedere, has overcame both leiomyosarcoma and skin cancer. She was diagnosed in 2023.

Moodley, who is a single mother to her son, Danté Hansin Moodley, became a police officer because she wanted to serve and protect. 

“I believed I would make a difference, and I am sure I did. I was actually inspired after I saw an article in the POST about the first troop of Indian policewoman and I knew I wanted to be a part of that  journey,” she said.

So, in 1985, at 19-years-old, Moodley was started her police training at the Cato Manor and Wentworth College.  

“Training was rigorous but made it made me disciplined and tenacious as a police officer. While undergoing training I celebrated my 20th birthday,” she said.

Moodley started as a young constable at Tongaat SAPS but when she became a commissioned officer, she was transferred to Phoenix SAPS and thereafter Umhlali SAPS. 

Later on, Moodley was appointed to the Provincial Protection Services and whie there she applied for the station commander's post at Tongaat SAPS.

“I really did not expect to get it but I was interviewed and seemed to have impressed the panel and was appointed in January 2001."

She remained at Tongaat SAPS until her retirement at the end of May this year. She said she never regretted becoming a police officer.  

“It was challenging but never difficult. It's a very fluid environment where you are expected to be a counsellor, handyman, nurse, and teacher all rolled up in one.

“You meet the most interesting and sometimes strange people. You rub shoulders with the so-called elite and the poorest or downtrodden. But every day was a learning experience. Seeing child victims, elderly abuse, senseless killings of fellow human beings, drained me emotionally. But I never regretted my career path,” she said.

“I always had an open-door policy and no-nonsense approach to policing. I was fair, honest, and committed to policing to the best of my ability. It was sad to retire because I made good friends and acquaintances. I will miss them but I’m also excited about the new chapter ahead,” she said.

However, during her final years of service, Moodley was diagnosed with cancer in January 2023.

“I was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma. A 12x7x9 mass grew on my left kidney and due to the size I had major abdominal surgery to remove it. As a result of the successful surgery I didn't need follow up treatments.”

However, six months later, during a routine follow up, she found spots on legs and arms.

“My oncologist recommended a biopsy and it turned out I had a rare form of skin ca,ncer. It was stage 3 and 2 respectively.

“For the first cancer, no treatment was required but for the skin cancer I underwent six months of chemotherapy and had to endure all its side effects. With my first cancer I had surgery in January 2023 and was back at work in April 2023. By God's grace I managed. I rested when I needed to but generally managed to fulfil all my duties.”

But during Moodley’s second cancer, during the chemotherapy, she was home on sick leave.

“If my body failed me, then I booked off on sick leave. But thankfully, I did not get very ill. The mass and kidney was removed in its entirety; so the cancer was deemed in remission immediately. However, the skin cancer was difficult to term as in remission because it covers all the skin and cannot be isolated to a specific area,” said Moodley.

She said her commanders, fellow officers and colleagues had been supportive. 

“I support any initiatives pertaining to cancer for many years as my late mum was a cancer survivor as well. She survived breast cancer for 41 years. Now that I am retired I may consider becoming more active in cancer awareness initiatives.”

She said one's mind needed to be strong to overcome cancer.

“You must be mentally strong to believe you will beat cancer, and have a strong support base around you. Ask for help if you need it because you are never alone in this battle. Never lose faith in God and prayer.

“I always shared my mum's survival story to cancer patients telling them she was an example that you can beat cancer. Now I share my own battle and victory against cancer to encourage people it can be beaten. I have people who call me to ask about my journey with cancer. They say my story inspires them and their families. It gives them hope. I am glad I am making a positive difference,” said Moodley. 

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