Detective Sergeant Hanesan Naidoo.
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TONGAAT detective Sergeant Hanesan Naidoo's dedication led to a 22-year prison sentence for a man who brutally murdered his girlfriend in front of her children.
The sentence was recently handed down after a lengthy court process that brought the matter before the court 18 times since the murder in August 2024.
The convicted murderer was found guilty of killing his girlfriend by chopping her in the presence of her children and two adult witnesses.
Despite repeated court delays and witnesses who feared for their lives, Naidoo remained committed to securing justice for the victim and her family.
He managed to get theses witnesses to testify virtually.
Speaking about the case, Naidoo, 40, who lives in Tongaat, said the circumstances around this case had deeply impacted him from the start.
“I first received this case in August 2024 and what stood out was that a mother was murdered in front of her children,” said Naidoo.
“The matter appeared in court 18 times. The case was adjourned for a bail application and what motivated me was securing justice for the family, especially the children.”
Faced with witnesses who feared for their lives, Naidoo sought legal guidance to ensure their testimony could still be heard in court.
“I had to seek advice from the senior public prosecutor. I asked if there was any possible way the witnesses could testify virtually as they feared for their lives. The witnesses finally testified at Bizani Court,” he explained.
Naidoo described the eventual conviction as a moment of relief and closure for the grieving family.
“I felt total satisfaction when the court handed down the 22-year sentence although I was hoping for life imprisonment. It was finally closure for the family,” he said.
He added that the conviction sent a strong message against gender-based violence (GBV).
“This conviction served as a deterrent to perpetrators of GBV. No one wants to spend time in prison. It is very important because the community relies on the police and it reassures those with less faith that the police are here to serve.”
Naidoo said his passion for policing began at a young age and continued to drive his work in combating crime.
“Ever since I was 6 years old, I wanted to be a police officer. I love working with the community and solving crimes. Also, given all the negative news about the police, I want to reaffirm faith in the police. The greatest accomplishment in my work is to see the smile on the victims’ faces when the perpetrators are arrested.”
Reflecting on the emotional impact of cases involving violence against women and children, Naidoo said family supported and spirituality helped him cope with the demands of his profession.
“Knowing I helped bring justice to the victim’s family and children, I feel total satisfaction and pride. Cases like this can be emotionally difficult but I have a good support system at home. My family supports me and I am spiritually inclined.”
He encouraged young people who are passionate about serving their communities to consider careers in law enforcement.
“For young people who are considering a career in policing, I say go for it, only if they have a passion to be a police officer and a passion to serve the community at large, they must not be deterred,” said Naidoo.