Former detective celebrates milestone birthday

Former stalwart police detective, Warrant Officer Mike Nagamuthoo recently celebrated his 87th birthday. Detective Nagamuthoo, is humble to this day and remains part of only a handful of former SAPS members in their 80’s that are still alive in Pietermaritzburg.

Captain Bob Sewpersad, Warrant Officer Suklall, Dudley Maharaj and Detective Gops Reddy, Captain and Saravana Govender are the others. Being over eighty years old is exceptional among former police officers, considering the numerous challenges and stressful situations each confronted during the course and execution of their duties, which left them vulnerable to the many illnesses and afflictions in consequence of these circumstances.

Born at the “Magazine Barracks” in Greyville, Durban, his family were forced to relocate to "Glasgow", Verulam after his late dad took ill. He attend the Oakford Priory Convent School until Grade 8, thereafter he moved to Verulam High where he matriculated.

In 1958, he was enlisted into the South African Police force and was posted to Wentworth for a short spell and thereafter to Clairwood, after which he was sent to undergo basic police training at the Wentworth Police Depot, as it was called in those days.

After basic police training he was posted to

Clairwood, where he spent a number of years before being transferred to SAPS Loop Street in Pietermaritzburg, and thereafter reposted to Mountain Rise in 1968. He worked under the command of Captains Tinus Nel and the legendary Bob Sewpersad. Whilst at Mountain Rise, he was head of the Crime Intelligence Division (CID).

In 1984, he was posted to the Guard Unit in Cape Town until his retirement in 1992.

A stalwart among the retired officers, he is both an encouragement and an inspiration to everyone he comes into contact with. At meetings of retired officers of the social club, members will hasten to gather around him, eager to enquire about his “secret” for longevity and sharing in his life experiences. He has an exercise and diet programme which he regularly follows.

He retired at the age of 60 after serving SAPS and the various communities of South Africa. He has three daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grand children.

Mike and his late wife Angie have travelled widely over the years, throughout Europe and the East. He still endeavours to attend every meeting, whether in Pietermaritzburg or Durban. Considering his age, this is a remarkable achievement.

Submitted by Logan Govender, on behalf of the Pietermaritzburg Retired SAPS.