Kistasamy will be missed
South Coasters paid tribute to a pioneer policeman in Port Shepstone.
THE local community is mourning the loss of Rungasamy Kistasamy who died recently at the age of 75 years.
Mr Kistasamy was born in Kelso on September 20, 1939. His family was raised on the sugar cane plantations and life was a struggle. Mr Kistasamy was the eldest in a large family and looked after his siblings until his parents returned from the mill in the evenings. He completed standard six and began working at the sugar mill in Sezela to support the family.
When an opportunity presented itself to join the South African Police Force, he seized it. He graduated from Police College and took up his first post in Umzinto. He later applied for a transfer to Port Shepstone.
Mr Kistasamy was a pioneer policeman in Port Shepstone. He was willing and always available to help the community whenever the need arose. He was meticulous about work and was highly respected in all he did.
He later moved to the Vehicle Theft Unit and spent more than a decade in this unit. In 1992 he went on medical boarding and took up hawking to keep himself occupied. This was a short stint, as he thereafter dedicated his life to looking after his wife who had become unwell and frail.
“Our dad spent over a decade being a caregiver to mum,” said Mr Kistasamy’s son, Sarge.
“He was deeply committed to his family and spent all his time after retirement with family. Dad loved our culture and all aspects associated with uplifting and promoting values close to his heart. He was a gentle giant, who cared immensely for people and went beyond the call of duty to make others comfortable,” said Sarge.
Mr Kistasamy leaves behind a legacy of humility and ‘seva’ for all to strive to emulate. He is survived by a host of family and friends.
