Nishal Deepnarian stands next to the vehicle that was shot at while he responded to the cash-in-transit robbery in Brindhaven on February 22
Image: Chumani Mazwi
REACTION Unit South Africa (Rusa) response officer, Nishal Deepnarain recently recounted his harrowing encounter with armed suspects during a cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam.
When Deepnarain arrived first at the scene, his first thought was not only his safety, but that of his colleagues who were close behind him.
In a dramatic confrontation, Rusa officers found themselves embroiled in an intense gun battle with CIT robbery suspects in Brindhaven, Verulam last Monday.
Deepnarian, 42, who is also Rusa’s control room and fleet manager, said on the day of the incident they had received several calls about a CIT robbery, and an explosion.
He said he immediately jumped into his vehicle, and was the first response officer to arrive on the scene.
“When I arrived at the scene, I saw a CIT vehicle had exploded, and there was money lying all over. I also saw several armed suspects, some carrying high-calibre weapons.”
Deepnarian said the situation quickly escalated.
“As I jumped out of my vehicle, one of the suspects opened fire at me. My immediate reaction was to find cover and retaliate. I also returned fire, and within a few minutes my colleagues arrived to assist. The suspects then jumped in their vehicle, and fled the scene.”
Deepnarian said despite being under fire, he kept thinking about the safety of his colleagues.
“I knew they were just a few minutes behind me. But before I got out of the vehicle I alerted them to what was happening.”
RUSA response officer Nishal Deepnarian, who came under fire while responding to the CIT robbery.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
Deepnarian, who has been in the security industry for the past 25 years, and with Rusa for 18 years, said being able to fight crime had been his dream since a young age.
“Fighting crime and helping people has always been my passion.”
Deepnarian said confronting danger was part of the job.
“There is no time to think twice when faced with a dangerous situation. You cannot second-guess yourself, especially when someone is shooting at you. Although I am trained for different situations, responding with a 9mm firearm against suspects armed with rifles is very different. The odds are not the same, but you have to stay strong and defend yourself.”
He said he had faced life-threatening encounters on several occasions.
“I recall one incident while chasing a robbery suspect who ran into the bushes,he attacked me with a dagger. While defending myself I shot at him. He unfortunately died. While it is not a good thing, we have to defend ourselves when our lives are at risk.”
Deepnarain said he started his day with prayer.
“I wake up between 4am and 4:30am, get ready, and say a prayer. I always thank God that I have seen the day, and ask for the day to go well.”
He said his duties involved responding to emergencies and assisting members of the public.
“On average, we respond to about 42 incidents such as hijackings, shootings, house or business break-ins, and other general complaints in a day.”
Deepnarian added that after long and demanding shifts, spending time with his loved ones helped him to unwind.
“Once I get home, just being able to spend some time with them helps me to relax.”
Deepnarian said working for Rusa was more than just a job.
“Rusa is an important part of my life. I wake up every day appreciating being part of the team. We are also not just colleagues, we are a family. Also, not every company gives you the opportunity to assist the public, but at Rusa that is what we do through our fight against crime. Being able to help a person in need is the most rewarding part of the job.”