Brigadier Arikum Veeshani, of Douglasdale Police Station, is known for being tough on the law, but her commitment to service doesn’t stop at the badge.
From childhood, she has carried a passion for giving back to her community, a value she now shares with her family.

“I’ve always been involved in charities. It’s close to my heart. Young children, as well as the elderly, are very dear to me, and those kinds of projects have been part of my family for generations. We’ve always been able to engage with communities and give back.”

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Her generosity recently extended to Hot 102FM’s Hot Cares fundraiser, where she contributed R1 000 from her own pocket.

She also cooked for the Daily Bread non-profit organisation Grade 0 pilot programme graduation, hosted at Indaba Hotel, even chipping in to help cover what the students will need for school next year.

“We believe if we have enough for ourselves, we can be blessed to give away what we are blessed with. This being the season of giving, we absolutely love to give. We love to share Christmas and the joyous spirit with everybody.”

Veeshani’s dedication to helping others traces back to her childhood. She said her father made it a point that they give back to those in need. “We were children, and at Christmas my father would give us a little allowance. He would tell us to use it responsibly, and one of the reasons was to give back to society.

“We’d go into an orphanage, or visit someone in our community less fortunate, and buy them a gift. I remember buying a little doll I wanted for myself, but giving it away. It was all about: If you have two, you need to give one away.”

Her professional life, as a police officer, might make some expect a hard exterior, but she balances toughness with compassion.

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“Being a police officer, I have a professional side, which means I need to behave professionally. Even so, we need to show our softer side, especially to children, for them to gain trust in us. Just by doing these things, we gain that trust.”

Cooking is another way Veeshani spreads joy. “I grew up in an Indian home, and we love to cook and entertain. Over festive seasons, holidays, and parties, we always cooked and shared meals.

When I cook for charity events, like the Grade 0 graduation, it’s my way of giving back and making the day special for the children. My family gets involved, and we love to see the joy it brings others.”

From giving away cherished childhood toys to feeding the community and supporting charitable causes, Veeshani demonstrates that service goes beyond law enforcement.

“You don’t need many gifts or money. Just being with family and friends is more than enough to have a joyous season.”

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