Upholding a family legacy in the police service
HONOUR
Colonel Logan Govender, who is seen with his daughter, Tes, retired in 2000.
Image: Supplied
POST reporter, NADIA KHAN, shares the inspiring journey of a retired South African Police Service (SAPS) officer, Colonel Logan Govender, whose dedication and resilience have left an indelible mark on the community and the fight against crime. 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.
Retired Colonel Logan Govender, 71, of Pietermaritzburg, said he was inspired by his father, Mariemuthu, who held the rank of sergeant in the SAPS.
“I wanted to follow my dad’s footsteps. In his community, policemen were respected and seen as role-models. I also wanted to protect and serve our communities.”
After matriculating at Woodlands High School, Govender pursued his studies at ML Sultan Technical College.
“I qualified as an electrician and secured an apprenticeship with the City of Pietermaritzburg. However, a close friend, who was a police officer, inspired me to quit my job and join the SAPS. He said it was a better career option. I was enlisted by the same friend to the Mountain Rise police station.
“I attended the SAPS Training College in Wentworth, and was nominated as the best shotist (small arm). I also pursue a national diploma in police administration, which I completed over a few years while working,” he said.
Govender said he was appointed station commander of Chatsworth Police Station in 1986.
“Through the diligent support and loyalty of the members of the station, it was the second best station in the Natal Midlands area in 1988 and placed first in 1989.”
Govender, being awarded with his national higher certificate in 1983.
Image: Supplied
Govender said the highlight of his career was when he was chosen by the chief deputy commissioner of the SAPS as the first Indian policeman to serve at the SAPS head office in Wachthuis, Pretoria.
“I was humbled by this privilege and thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for His favour and grace upon my life. It was indeed a joy and a privilege to serve the SAPS and its various communities.”
Govender, who retired in 2000, said together with retired Brigadier Bala Naidoo, they were instrumental in the formation of a social club in Pietermaritzburg for retired police members and road traffic officers.
“This is to help retired members keep in touch with each other. I am one of the sub-editors of the Nongqai online magazine, which publishes security, military, and SAPS matters, among others.
“I am also, with the assistance of various other professional persons, documenting the history and heritage of non-white police members of the SAPS, some of which are now showcased on the centre’s website. I spend hours researching, recording and documenting.
“I was inspired to do this as non-white police members are not in the limelight despite their numerous achievements and accomplishments. They deserve that recognition and so that their stories are documented for the future generations to see the pivotal role they played in the fight against crime in the country,” he said.