‘No nonsense’ captain takes early retirement
Captain Govender is leaving after 32 years' service.
A Montclair SAPS officer has taken early retirement after 32 years’ of service.
Captain Poobalan Govender or Pat as he is known by his colleagues, has been with Montclair SAPS since February 2007.
He completed his training at Wentworth Police Training College in 1984 and worked Medico Legal Laboratories.
In 1985 Govender was transferred to the special guards unit where he safeguarded South African presidents such as PW Botha, FW De Klerk and all Indian ministers. “I felt really proud protecting heads of state,” he said.
The 55-year-old officer was transferred to Durban Central in 1990 where he worked at the law courts and the tourist protection unit for three years.
The captain describes himself as a good officer, but not a popular officer. “I performed my duties according to standing orders, regulations and station instructions – because that’s the only way one does his job,” he said. The ‘man of no nonsense,’ as he calls himself, says he was never afraid to challenge unions or senior management.
In his career of 32 years, Govender says a case that stands out in his memory is the Marianhill train disaster in 1987. “I helped 64 grieving families from South Africa as well as people from neighbouring countries,” he said.
The SAPS he is retiring early because of politics in the police force. “I feel that people need to be promoted according to merit. I have been a captain since 1996. I feel there is no scope for me to grow. I was never afraid of admitting I was wrong or apologise if I did something wrong,” he said.
In his spare time, Govender helps the community. “People think my house is a police station because it’s also painted blue and white. When people need advice they approach me,” he said. The proud officer says he wants to use his experience to help his community neighbourhood watch and assist community policing forums.
Communications officer, Lt Leopold Jojozi says Govender will be missed. “Captain Govender was a very responsible, strict man. I regarded him has an exemplary police officer. Management wish him well in his retirement,” said Lt Jojozi.
