From tailoring police uniforms to fighting crime

RETIRED Captain Rajoo “Tiger” Ellappan, 78, of uMhlanga, decided to join the SAPS while working as a tailor, manufacturing uniforms for senior police and military officers.

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“From the time I was a child, I wanted to become a professional boxer. However, at the time I was prevented from achieving this as my job was demanding and there were restrictions under the apartheid laws. Gymnasiums for use by nonwhites was limited.

“However, while working on police uniforms, I became fascinated with the design and insignia.

“I pictured myself dressed in the uniform, which brought about a yearning in me to attempt to gain entry into the SAPS. During my lunch break on August 25, 1969, I walked into the police headquarters on Smith Street and spoke to an Indian policeman, who assisted me to enlist that same day,” he said.

Ellappan was immediately placed at the police station in Unit 2 (Bayview) in Chatsworth.