Looking back on 37 years of service, Grahamstown’s highest police officer Brigadier Vakala Moyake says the greatest problem in town is that people know who criminals are but are reluctant to work with police.
Looking back on 37 years of service, Grahamstown’s highest police officer Brigadier Vakala Moyake says the greatest problem in town is that people know who criminals are but are reluctant to work with police.
“Criminals live in the community and people know who they are, but instead of reporting them they turn a blind eye,” Moyake said. “Police are not the only ones responsible for bringing criminals to book.”
The outgoing cluster commander, who was in charge of seven stations including Grahamstown, Alice and Riebeeck East, encouraged citizens to report crimes as soon as they know they happen.
“I think it is best to collect evidence when crimes happen, if it is possible,” he said. He stressed that cellphones and cameras can and should be used to compile evidence.
“It does not help for the police to hold someone for eight hours, and then let them go because there is no evidence,” he said.
Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, Moyake said he’s leaving the SAPS to pursue a career as an advocate. He obtained his law degree from the University of South Africa while serving as a police officer, but decided to pay his dues as a policeman before making this move.
“People should never get too comfortable in one position; everyone must study so that their lives can progress,” he said. Moyake was admitted as an advocate to the high court last year and hopes to serve on the Grahamstown circuit. “I have always had a passion to collect evidence and prosecute criminals,” he said.
A farewell function was held for Moyake at the Stone Crescent Hotel on Wednesday afternoon. The provincial police commissioner will soon appoint a new cluster commander for the region.
