Saying goodbye after four decades of policing
He was awarded seven medals during his career as a police officer.
WITH a career spanning 40 years, all of which was spent as a police officer at Montclair SAPS, Warrant Officer Poobalan Marimuthu bid farewell to his colleagues and policing community, at the end of June.
With mixed emotions and decades of memories, Marimuthu said he was proud to see that the Montclair area has grown into a united multi-racial community. With apartheid being one of the hardest realities he faced as an officer of the law, working in the hostels during the unrest in the 1980s is one of the worst encounters he had as a policeman.
“There are certain things you wished you never saw, and there are memories you wish would not haunt you, but you have to face whatever comes your way and always do what is right.
“Seeing mutilated bodies and watching horrific crimes uncover in close-knit communities during my early days as an officer have remained the negative parts of the job, however, it takes a brave and courageous individual to perform the duties of a police officer,” said Marimuthu.
Enlisted in the South African Police Services on August 1, 1982, Marimuthu, armed with his dream of being a dedicated law enforcer, found himself stationed at Montclair SAPS as a student constable until July 1983.
He thereafter underwent basic training at the Wentworth Police Training College and passed as a constable in January 1984, when he was posted back to Montclair SAPS.
During his four decade long tenure at Montclair SAPS, he performed administrative duties, worked in crime prevention and conducted several investigative duties.
“I am glad to have spent my career as a police officer at Montclair SAPS. During my career, I underwent various courses and workshops, which enabled me to better perform my duties and improve my knowledge and skills as a police officer,” Marimuthu said.
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He was awarded seven medals during his career, with his most cherished memories being performing duties during the 2010 World Cup, where he was also awarded a medal.
“My advice to other police officers entering the field of policing is to be honest, dedicated and trustworthy. Refrain from corruption. Our communities need upright police officers to uphold the law,” said Marimuthu.
He believes that the community can make the area safe again if they work together with police to drive out criminals and enforce effective ways to keep the criminal activity out. Marimuthu plans to use his skills and expertise to assist community policing forums in his neighbourhood during his retirement.
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