Meet Captain Loganathan Chetty, who is currently the acting commander of the Milnerton Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Western Cape.
Chetty is one of many dedicated South African Police Service (SAPS) members, who goes beyond the call of duty to help the country to fight the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Chetty is also an investigator attached to the provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team.
Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Chetty joined the Service 33 years ago as a student constable.
“I wanted to be a police officer just like my uncle, because I want to serve and protect the people of South Africa,” says Chetty.
Chetty has been within the FCS environment for the past 11 years and vividly recalls his first case as an FCS investigator.
He was assigned to investigate a case where a child within the Harare policing area went missing.
The child’s body was found a week later near a shack. Chetty and his team left no stone unturned and managed to arrest the suspect that same day. The accused was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
While his career highlights are many, Chetty particularly takes pride in a case that landed on his desk for investigation in 2015.
He had received information from Homeland Security regarding a South African suspect linked to possession, distribution and manufacturing of child sexual abuse material.
Through the application of various investigative techniques, Chetty traced the suspect to an address in Bergsig and executed a search and seizure warrant.
Various electronic devices containing child abuse images and videos were seized. One of the victims in these images and videos was positively identified as the suspect’s own daughter. She was three years old at the time of the abuse.
This case is still under investigation to ensure a solid case is being presented against the accused in court.
Currently the acting commander of Milnerton FCS Unit, Chetty’s duties include managing a team of FCS investigators, who investigate crimes such as sexual crimes (rape, sexual assault, incest, bestiality, any other sexual offences); person directed crimes (assault, assault GBH); illegal removal of persons (kidnapping, abduction and missing children), and online sexual child abuse material.
He is also still an active investigator and is currently working on several cases.
Chetty, a devoted husband and father of two, says his family is his pillar of strength. They inspire him to go out every day in the field to trace and arrest more sexual predators.
“A childhood dream came true when I got enlisted in the service. Being a detective is my calling, and it gives me great pleasure to trace and arrest rapists. This is my contribution to make my community a safer and secure environment for all,” Chetty said.
Chetty is one of countless unsung heroes who continue to fly the SAPS’ flag high, protecting women and children with dignity, honour and pride.
South Africa recently observed the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign between 25 November and 10 December. – SAnews.gov.za
