South African Police: Lieutenant Kathavarayen Rajgopaul: A Dedicated and Hardworking Officer

September 22, 20253 min read

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 27^th October 1915 in Verulam, North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Rajgopaul joined the South African Police on 02^nd 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

19^th 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 3^rd 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