Tribute: Lt Naidoo’s legacy will live on

A HERO who went beyond the call of duty has fallen. Family and friends are now mourning the death of Imbalogan Naidoo, 61, who passed on 17 July.

He trained at Wentworth Police College and went on to work for SAPS for many years, starting out in Wentworth in 1982. He went on to rank as Lt Colonel Naidoo. He has also worked at Durban Central and Umlazi V station police stations. His career ended at the Area Commissioner’s Office.  He dedicated over 30 years’ experience as a detective and served SAPS for 36 faithful years.

Naidoo, who hails from Isipingo Beach, was very involved in the local neighbourhood as well as child and family protection initiatives.

His son, Vishalin Pillay described him as a strict dad growing up. “He was extremely hard on us to be the best we can possibly be, while teaching us crucial life lessons. He had a weird sense of humor with the family, man of very few words to the family but to the broader community, family and work colleagues he was the go to person and a live wire. Something we didn’t know much of. Whatever good he did upon others not once did he ever mention to us. He kept a strict line between work and home, never brought work issues home. He was extremely neat and had a particular dress code for work. He was very punctual with time and delivery.

My dad was someone who always wanted to learn more about life. The only person I know to date, who was so fearless.

“I personally accompanied him many times into townships looking for suspects and attending crime scenes not knowing the end result. He always said to us be brave, don’t be weak. His famous line to us was, do something do it properly otherwise don’t do it,” Vishalin reminisced.

His loved ones will remember him for his laugh and how he would always wake them up early, reminding them not to waste the day. “He would lift my bed and toss it on the floor if I slept late. He learnt that from police college. Although it annoyed me, I will always cherish those memories.

“We will also remember his love for all his pets and time given to the family. He taught us all that we know now. Simple things like DIY, fishing, painting, maintenance of our home, driving lessons, our weddings,” said Vishalin, adding that he will miss having his father seated at the dining table and sharing a meal as a family.

He is survived by his children Noelle, Shaylin and Vishalin and five grandchildren. A message from his family: “We will miss you so much dad. We love you dearly and will. Always treasure you in our hearts. Till we all reunite again one day and our party together will go on.”

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