Durban North police officer retires after 39 years of service
Captain Raymond Deokaran has given 26 years of his service to the Durban North community.
IT was a sombre moment as members of the Durban North SAPS bid farewell to Captain Raymond Deokaran who retired on Friday last week, having served as a member of law enforcement for more than three decades.
Deokaran, the spokesperson for the police station, has always put service above self and said it was a bittersweet moment saying goodbye to the community and his fellow officers.
Not only did he serve 26 of his 39 years in the Durban North area, but he also served the Greenwood Park, Inanda and Durban Central police stations in different capacities for shorter periods of time.
The Phoenix resident has also moved up in the ranks, starting off as a constable, then a sergeant, a warrant officer, a lieutenant and finally a captain.
Also read: Suspect linked to Acutt Avenue robberies arrested
“This last week has been tough and emotional. To think I began my journey in the police service in 1984 at this very station, and it’s quite fitting that I retire here. I have served the community in various roles from crime prevention to spokesperson and HR and administration. It has been hard saying goodbye to my fellow officers, the Durban North/Umhlanga CPF and the various law enforcement and rescue personnel whom I’ve formed lifelong friendships with.
“Haden Searles, the chairman of the CPF, as well as Tyron Powell, are two names that come to mind in a long list of people who’ve always supported me. My former station commander, Colonel Gopaul Naidoo, is also someone I had the honour of working and serving with. I’ve learned so much from him. It is difficult to mention everyone, but I would like to thank everyone for their friendship and their shared service – my life is certainly richer with them, and I will cherish all the memories I’ve made,” he said.
Deokaran, who ran a catering company for more than 20 years when off duty, said he plans on travelling the world with his wife and looking to invest in the property market.
Also read: New crime trend uses ‘friends’ tactic to steal valuables
Chairman of the Durban North/Umhlanga CPF Haden Searles also paid tribute to Deokaran.
“I’ve known Raymond for the past 15 years, and he has served this community honestly, diligently and faithfully. He was always willing to help out in whatever capacity he could, and apart from being an excellent officer, he was a really good person. He will be sorely missed. To have dedicated 39 years of your life to the community of Durban North is no small feat. I recently attended his farewell lunch, and everyone who has worked with Raymond spoke highly of him, which says so much about his character. We even saw a slideshow of his early days when he sported a mustache and had a healthy head of hair,” Searles quipped.
“Even though Captain Raymond carried a number of portfolios, his smile never faltered, nor did his offer for help. He was a pillar of strength to our victim support team and to social crime prevention. As the Durban North/Umhlanga CPF, we wish him all the best in his retirement and extend our deepest gratitude for everything he has done for the community,” Searles said.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
