AFTER 41 years in the South African Police Service, Major Yusuf Abbas ‘Pipes’ Haffajee has called it a day. POST reporter JOLENE MARRIAH interviews him a day after his retirement, when he reveals how he got his nickname and his experiences fighting crime

‘Pipes’ plays down his successes

“THE name Pipes? You want the funny story or the real story? Just kidding, there’s only one story. When I was in school I played the recorder. The boys would call me a sissy but mind you… I was quite good at it.”

Still trying to come to terms with his retirement, Yusuf Abbas ‘Pipes’ Haffajee pondered on how he would spend his time.

“I plan on travelling. I have never left the country. But first maybe I’ll tour South Africa and spend more time with my grandchildren. Please don’t ask me what my hobbies are, my work consumed my life so there was no time for hobbies.”

Haffajee was born in Carlisle Street, Durban, in a family of seven siblings. His father JuJune was a police reservist. “My dad would walk the streets fighting crime. Back then there were issues with pickpockets and dangerous weapons – drugs were not as huge. My father’s passion inspired me and I always knew I wanted to be a policeman.”

School

“No case is more important than the other. I don’t have a list of top 10 cases. Seeking justice was always my priority.”

However, his portfolio details the accolades and recognition for his work over the years, including acknowledgements from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and then Police Commissioner Bheki Cele.

Haffajee said the challenges of the job included long hours, often sacrificing family time, and professional jealousy. “That took a lot out of me.”

Team

Haffajee with his wife Ronel and their youngest grandchild, Alexa Ketley.

LEFT: Pipes Haffajee is promoted to Major by Brigadier Francis Bantham a day before his retirement. ABOVE: His father JuJune was a police reservist in the Casbah area. Pictures: SIYANDA MAYEZA