WITH 41 years of service as a police officer, Colonel Kesval Sigamoney “Clive” Pillay has decided it is time to relax as he heads into retirement.

“I will miss the adrenaline rush; no two days are the same in the service. I will miss the colleagues I have been working with over the many years,” said Pillay.

He said for now he is going to take some time to relax, take time off and, “I’ll see in the next year what I’ll do”.

Pillay said some of the highlights of his extensive career include the accolades accumulated whilst serving in the visible policing (Vispol) unit in the SAPS.

Some of these, he said, were for an outstanding performance in reducing crime.

“Being a Vispol commander means you have to be on standby 24/7, there is no rest because we are the first responders to crime,” said Pillay.

Pillay joined the SAPS in 1984 and has been stationed at the Pinetown SAPS since 1998.

He has completed 14 Comrades Marathons, while participating in 18 races.

His best time, he said, was nine hours and 40 minutes.

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“I have been playing sports since my schooling days,” said Pillay, who during the recent eThekwini SAPS cluster championship games first played nine holes of golf before heading to the chess board where he came out tops.

“I started playing golf about five years ago and I have since joined the SAPS Durban Golf Club which is made up of active and retired police officers,” said Pillay.

Pillay thanked community members and the community policing forum (CPF) for their continuous support and assistance.

“Thank you to the CPF chairman Mr Justin Bosse and his team. I also thank Colonel R Heeralall, the acting Station Commander at Pinetown SAPS, his management and all members of the station. It was a pleasure working with all of you and I will greatly miss you,” said Pillay.

Pillay also extended a word of thanks to members of the RTI, Metro Police, Immigration services and security companies.

“Your assistance greatly impacted in reducing crime,” said Pillay.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu said: “As the head of the visible policing component, he played a key role in ensuring the safety and security of our community. Every time you see police officers or vehicles patrolling your area, that is the work of the Vispol component, co-ordinated under his leadership.”

Sharing her personal tribute having worked with Pillay for a remarkable 27 years, chief admin clerk Clemmy Reddy described Pillay as “a true gentleman”.

“He respects everyone and is always approachable. You can go to him for help, whether it is police-related or personal, he will assist in any way he can. We wish you a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement, Colonel Pillay,” said Reddy.

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