Pinetown officer goes beyond duty
Pinetown SAPS Warrant Officer Desan Pillay is appreciated for his good deeds in serving the community, especially for playing a big part in the arrest of four business-robbery suspects.
EVERY DAY is a highlight and a challenge to overcome for Pinetown SAPS Warrant Officer Desan Pillay who has worked in the police force for 26 years. He joined the force after working as a paramedic.
“I believe ending up being a police officer was God answering my prayers as I was walking on the wrong path.”
He said his journey has been adventurous as he has worked in various departments, including Westville Anti-hijack, Highway Patrol and Provincial Rapid Response.
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“I have been lucky to be trained by good mentors whom I still have on my speed dial and still call for advice,” he said.
Pillay is among the top-performing officers with many appreciation certificates under his name. Asked about his recent certificate, the proud Pillay sighed, smiled and said it was one of the many good works he has done.
He said this was after he played a role in the arrests of four out of five business robbery suspects on his day off.
“I heard about the suspects who were being pursued after robbing a business premises in Hammarsdale. The suspects had tied up four guards and stolen electronic equipment.
“I joined the chase, and the suspects abandoned the car on the M13 in Kloof and fled on foot. We chased them with Magna Security and V-Guard Security, arresting four, and firearms [were confiscated] and the stolen equipment was recovered.”
Pillay said he gets satisfaction when criminals are caught and face the law.
“The best reward, though, is seeing the relief on the victim’s face. Arresting the culprits helps with the victim’s healing,” he said.
The Pinetown officer is also among a team that works 24 hours a day, seven days a week to curb the crime in the Westmead industrial area after identifying high-profile business robberies.
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“After working long hours, we had our first breakthrough when we responded to a business robbery where criminals broke into a safe and stole R400 000.
“Four suspects were caught with the assistance of Ubuqothu Security. The suspects were also linked to other business robberies in the area.”
Pillay thanked all the security companies they work hand-in-hand with. “We would not yield all these good results if it were not for their assistance. They play a huge role, and what I love about this team is that they not only respond to their clients but go out if ever there is a call for back-up, and for that, we are grateful as police officers,” he said.
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