Capt (ret) Bob Sewpersad, a humble officer with immense integrity and high moral standards, celebrates his 86th birthday on 8 February. He is recognised as one of the oldest, surviving members within the Pietermaritzburg policing precinct.

As a commissioned officer who served his peers and community with pride and dignity for almost three decades, he remains highly respected by both his peers and subordinates alike.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, he joined the SA Police in 1958. In 1981, through sheer discipline, perseverance and dedication, he worked his way up the ranks to become the first Indian commissioned officer within the Natal Midlands Area and was appointed as the station commander of Mountain Rise.

He mentored and guided many non-white senior police officers, including myself. He and other non-white policemen, irrespective of their ranks or status, were considered inferior to their white contemporaries, through the police regulation. These unjust regulations caused much hurt, pain and contention among non-white policemen, but they had no recourse. It was a very trying time, especially for policemen of colour who held rank in those days. These resilient men were really challenged to the limits, and Capt Sewpersad was one of them.

We salute you, Sir and acknowledge your contributions to individual members and the community. Here's to wishing you good health, peace and security in your years of well-deserved retirement.

Logan Govender
KwaZulu-Natal