Captain Ezra October, a veteran of the South African police force, retires after 36 years of service.
Reflecting on his career, he shares his motivation to protect communities, which stemmed from witnessing childhood friends fall into crime.
October remains committed to community work, continuing his involvement with the Haven Night Shelter.
A passion to serve others. This is what kept Capt Ezra October motivated during his 36-year career in the South African police service.
The officer, who was stationed at Cape Town Central Police Station, saluted the force after more than three decades last month.
October, who fulfilled the role as communications officer at the station for the past 14 years, said his passion to safeguard communities was piqued during his childhood years in Kensington.
“I knew from a young age that I was going to work with people. I grew up in Kensington. As a young boy, I had friends and as we became older, I saw they were becoming naughty and involved in all sorts of fights.
“We moved to Gqeberha and whenever I came back for a holiday, I discovered my friends were hanging out with the wrong crew and involved with criminal activities.”
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He said that sparked his passion to make a difference.
“I always told myself I needed to make a difference in a small way by ensuring that people are safe. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. I observed my late dad always working with kids being it in sport or spiritually.”
But his career only started in the 1980s.
He became a student constable at Grassy Park police in August 1988.
When October completed his training at Bishop Lavis College, he was placed at Wynberg Police Station.
“I worked for Wynberg crime prevention unit then Wynberg district crime prevention unit. I was called to join operation gang bust based in Manenberg. After that I went back to Wynberg Police Station.”
Sector policing
October explained that he started the sector policing in Constantia.
He recalls that following a tragic shooting incident in Constantia, he encouraged the community to start a neighbourhood watch.
“I remember I was the person that collected the first sector vehicle for Constantia. It was a double cab Nissan. That was a proud moment because Constantia always had its own private security.”
The officer said while there were many highlights over the years, doing crime prevention initiatives and interacting with young people was a privilege.
“When I worked in Wynberg I would meet children at primary school level and warn them about the dangers of drugs and gangsterism and making the wrong choices.
“When those kids grew up, I would meet them and they would tell me that they remember me speaking to them in primary school. And they would thank me, saying that talk changed their lives.”
Relax
October said he will now be taking a much-needed break.
“At the moment, I am just taking a break. I used to get up early every morning faithfully. Now it’s time to relax.
“If it’s God’s will, I will find something that I will do and enjoy. I am still involved with Haven Night Shelters as I have been for the last 27 years on their board of management.”
He said in future he would like to do motivational talks and consultations with safety structures.
“If people want me to speak to the youth, seniors or neighbourhood watches I will go and speak. If anyone wants me to be a consultant for them, then that is what I will do.”
He thanked the countless people and colleagues he worked with.
“I salute my fellow policemen and -women because there were many good things we did. I will miss the workshops, get togethers and outreach programmes. I was part of the team who put the Men for Change’s constitution together under the leadership of Maj Gen Andre Lincoln.”
October encouraged people to join the service but said they must have the passion to serve.
“If you don’t want to serve people don’t go into the police. You make that choice to serve people.”
