Retiring cop plans to take a Shotleft

The Citizen

2 days ago

CAPTIVATED by the authority wielded by police officers and eventually enlisting, a retiring SAPS member who has served the public for just over 40 years to ensure they are safe and secure, said now it is time to rest and to take a Shotleft around the country.
A decorated officer with numerous awards from different police stations he has worked in, Pinetown SAPS Detective Warrant Officer Asogan 'Ravi' Pillay said a childhood encounter with police officers inspired him to commit to the pursuit of being 'like them' and this triggered a colourful crime fighting career with varied experiences, memorable moments – some emotionally taxing – and coming face to face with life threatening confrontations.
Despite the dire state of affairs he said prevails in society, such as the proliferation of firearms, brutal killings, a lack of respect for the law and loopholes in the criminal justice system which at times benefit accused persons, Pillay is of the view that 'cops work hard to investigate criminal conduct which endangers South Africans and to bring perpetrators to justice'.
The conviction of an accused was a source of fulfilment for Pillay, who cited a 25-year sentence for suspects he and a colleague, Venter Mhlongo, secured some years ago. Following a car chase in Pinetown they retrieved two firearms from the suspects and through investigations learnt that they had been involved in a cash-in-transit heist.
Other unforgettable moments for Pillay, some not so glorious, include a gruesome train accident in Thornwood which claimed over 80 lives; a fraud case he investigated which culminated in a 10-year sentence; and more recently, the 2022 April floods, which he said took an emotional toll on him.
Also read: WATCH: Heartwarming tribute for Pinetown SAPS station commander
'Forty-six people passed away, eight had gone missing,' said Pillay as he recalled the tragic floods. He continued, 'It was a mission; it was hectic. The families were calling and it was emotional.'
He said the uncertainty of when one might draw their last breath, considering the increased risk of being in the line of fire while on duty, was stabilised by colleagues and his wife whom he said 'played a big role'.
'They had my back and I had their backs,' said Pillay, explaining that the invaluable SAPS training proved vital during crucial moments.
The work, he said, at times involved long hours of tracing and pursuing suspects, but it all had an impact.
Pillay thanked the SAPS for putting food on his table, a roof over his head and for providing education for him and his family.
'So now it is time to close the doors and put the lights off,' saluted Pillay, whose last day on duty will be at the end of May.
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