The VP Justice Foundation has welcomed an investigation involving KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Lieutenant Colonel Deenadayalan “Deena” Govender, saying no police officer should be shielded from scrutiny regardless of rank or position.
The foundation’s comments follow a search conducted by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at Govender’s residence amid allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has heard evidence relating to controversial police operations and shootings.
The investigation has drawn attention to questions surrounding R2.3 million deposited into Govender’s bank account between August and December 2023, a period linked to a deadly police operation in Durban that left five men dead.
VP Justice Foundation spokesperson Visham Panday said the search was a significant development and stressed the importance of establishing the facts through a thorough investigation.
“Our foundation welcomes the recent search. Given Lieutenant Colonel Deena Govender’s position within the police service, this development raises serious concerns. No officer, regardless of rank or position, should be above scrutiny or accountability. The public deserves answers, and any concerns arising from this investigation must be properly addressed,” Panday said.
The allegations against Govender have emerged during proceedings at the commission, where questions have been raised about the source of the money deposited into his account.
According to the information presented, Govender was questioned about the R2.3 million in deposits and was asked to explain where the money came from.
He reportedly told the commission that R1.5 million came from a personal loan with First National Bank, while the remainder came from other sources.
However, the explanations have attracted further scrutiny, with IPID investigator Len John among those raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the transactions.
The allegations have also been discussed against the backdrop of the April 2023 police operation in Durban, during which five men were killed.
The deceased were identified as tow-truck operator Bevan Loftus, Ryan Santos, Chase Fynn, Michigan Hippolyte and Sihle Zondi.
The circumstances surrounding the operation and the deaths have come under scrutiny as part of broader questions about police conduct and accountability in KwaZulu-Natal.
However, the allegations and questions raised during commission proceedings do not, in themselves, establish that Govender committed a criminal offence. The investigation must determine whether there is evidence of wrongdoing and establish the circumstances surrounding the financial transactions.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that investigators had executed a search warrant at Govender’s residence but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Govender’s legal representative, Anand Nepaul, expressed concern about sensitive information relating to the investigation being leaked to the media. He argued that such information should remain confidential while the investigation was under way.
The search does not, on its own, establish wrongdoing, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
The VP Justice Foundation said accountability and transparency were essential to maintaining public confidence in law enforcement, particularly when allegations involved serving police officers.
Foundation welcomes bogus doctor arrest
In a separate matter, the foundation also welcomed the arrest of Reshal Dayanand, 39, who is accused of fraudulently presenting himself as a medical practitioner.
Dayanand appeared briefly before the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court, where he faces allegations linked to the use of a fraudulent medical qualification.
He is alleged to have falsely registered as a doctor and worked as an intern at Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg before his arrest.
Following his first court appearance, Dayanand was released on warning.
The allegations against him have not been proven in court.
The foundation’s support for the two investigations reflects its stated position that allegations of misconduct, whether involving law enforcement officials or individuals working in sensitive professions, must be properly investigated.
In the case involving Govender, the immediate focus remains on establishing the source of the money deposited into his account and determining whether the transactions were linked to any criminal activity.
The outcome of the investigation will be important in clarifying the allegations and determining whether further action is warranted.
