Top cop retires and pursues law career
Coming from humble beginnings, Brigadier Mariemuthoo knew that education was the key to success and resolved to develop himself.
Well-known former South Coast resident and police officer, Brigadier Govindsamy Thumba Mariemuthoo has retired from the South African Police Service (Saps) on January 31, 2021.
His retirement follows a long and illustrious career of 38 years of service with exemplary conduct.
Brigadier Mariemuthoo intends taking a break to travel and rest before pursuing his next chapter in life to practise law.
He is married to Ruth a retired nursing manager and has two sons, Gregory James, a property consultant and Gerald John, a sergeant in Saps, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Police Science (Unisa).
Brigadier Mariemuthoo was born, raised and completed his schooling in Port Shepstone.
After matric he enlisted in the Saps and was appointed as a member on June 2 1982.
He served at the Port Shepstone Saps as a Constable. He ascended through each rank by participating in Police Examinations and was duly honoured by the National Head Office for outstanding academic achievements in these examinations.
In 1989 he was promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to the Divisional Riot Unit in Protea, Soweto.
A year later he was appointed Divisional media liaison officer.
He then became the head of media communication and liaison services in which he covered the release of former president Nelson Mandela as well as the first democratic elections.
He was then promoted to Colonel in an arbitration award and transferred to Booysens SAPS.
In 2001 was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Station Commander of Booysens SAPS.
From 2006 to 2016, Brigadier Mariemuthoo served in various roles such as Head of the Johannesburg flying squad, Provincial Head and Station Commander for Benoni And Jeppe.
He then became the Deputy Cluster Commander for the Johannesburg East cluster.
Later that year was requested to assist as Head of Support Service at the OR Tambo International Airport.
In October 2019 was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
Coming from humble beginnings, Brigadier Mariemuthoo knew that education was the key to success and resolved to develop himself.
He excelled academically by obtaining a National Diploma in Police Administration, B. Tech Degree in Policing (Unisa), LLB (Unisa), MSc in Engineering Business Management (University of Warwick UK).
He is highly decorated having been awarded the 10, 20 and 30 year medals amongst others, for outstanding service.
He served on various community boards and engaged with communities as partnerships in the fight against crime.
“Saps remains an employer of choice for many and is a wonderful organisation with men and women who risk their lives daily in the fight against crime,” said Brigadier Mariemuthoo.
His advice to younger members and those aspiring to enlist are to be hard working, determined and avoid being involved in criminal activities and corruption. He encourages young people to pursue their dreams.
His supervisor, Major General Ellen Dimakatso Ndaba said “During 2015, I worked with him in the Johannesburg East Cluster and he became my Deputy.
I found him to be humble, disciplined, and a focused leader who loved his work and dedicated all of his time to make sure that the image of Saps was upheld.
My wish to him during his retirement is that God blesses him and his family with good health and in all his new endeavours. I will always cherish the memories that he left behind.”
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