Bluff policeman earns bravery medal for saving drowning man

FOR his bravery, Bluff rsident Warrant Officer Nad Moodley was awarded one of the highest honours at last month’s SAPS Service Excellence Awards ceremony.

In 2012, W/O Moodley from the Durban Central Beach Patrol Unit and his partner, W/O Dean Govender, responded to a call from a restaurant owner about a man hurling trash and frightening beachgoers. When the officers arrived, the man, who is believed to be mentally ill, ran into the sea.

Without a second thought, the officers ran into the water after him, in full police gear, including their heavy bulletproof vests. Neck deep in the water, W/O Moodley struggled with the man, who did not want to be brought back to land. “Even when he tried to punch me, I could not give up – I could not let the man drown,” said W/O Moodley.

After a drawn-out struggle, the officers were finally able to return the man to shore and he was taken away for medical observation.

At the Service Excellence Awards, the duo were presented with medals by KZN commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni. “I was excited about the award and my family and colleagues are so proud. But being rewarded is not why I do this job. It is my passion and I am proud to know that I keep people secure,” said W/O Moodley, who has been a policeman for 23 years.

“Make sure you are in the driving seat and in control in your life. Do everything with conviction and make a positive impact on the people around you,” are the words he lives by.

The 42-year-old father of two and grandfather of one, has lived on the Bluff for 10 years. W/O Moodley believes in giving back – not only to his community, but to the world – and he did so by working as a peacekeeper in Sudan for six months.

“This medal has made me more positive and has affirmed to me that I am doing the right thing. I believe people should do this job, not because it is a job, but because it is a passion.”