A CHANCE meeting in a supermarket aisle two months ago between Grahamstown's top cop and a local attorney has resulted in the veteran lawman finally realising his dreams of becoming an advocate.

Instead of retiring to a rocking chair next year, 58-year-old Grahamstown cluster commander Brigadier Vakala Moyake is now eagerly counting the days until he can start working as an advocate.

"It is a dream come true," Moyake said yesterday.

Although Moyake completed his law degree 13 years ago, he was only admitted as an advocate in the Grahamstown High Court by Judge Irma Schoeman yesterday.

"It was really hectic studying part-time, working in the police and trying to raise five children at the same time," he recalled.

Although he finished his degree years ago, Moyake was so committed to his Grahamstown police job he put his law dreams on hold.

"I felt if I left the police before I finished the job I started in Grahamstown I would be letting the community down."

Moyake was shopping with his wife of 34 years, Bongiwe, two months ago when he literally bumped into local attorney Mark Nettleton in an aisle.

The two strangers got chatting - much to the distress of Bongiwe, who was in a hurry - and it soon emerged that even though the top cop had a law degree, he had never been admitted as an advocate.

"He said he was an attorney and I said I had a law degree, but had never been admitted as an advocate. One thing led to another and Mark organised everything for me to finally realise my dreams. The rest is history."

When Moyake officially retires next year, he plans to juggle his time between his Grahamstown and his ancestral home in Ngqeleni - until his wife also retires.

He then hopes to move back to the former Transkei so he can take up his position as a traditional leader of the Khonjwayo clan and use his policing and law degree to help the local community.

"I hope I can work with Mark and then use my skills back home. I am excited about working as an advocate."

The couple are, however, saddened that Moyake's father Henry - who died two weeks ago - did not live long enough to see his son finally realise his dreams.

Bongiwe said she was proud of how her husband had managed to juggle his time .

All five of the Moyake children are studying at university and he longs one day to work with his son, Luthando, in the legal field - once the 26-year-old has finished his legal articles and gained work experience.

Grahamstown police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender said he would leave a void in the police service when he retired next year.

"Brigadier Moyake is a close family friend and colleague and we are all extremely proud of what he has achieved. Getting admitted as an advocate will inspire others in the police to realise their dreams too."

Comments

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Sun May 19 17:48:18 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 27, 2012

Mellow

Oooohh Congra to you Sir great news indeed for you and your family plus jubjub is looking for a lawyer think you can assist to put his @rse behind bars for good?
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Jul 27, 2012

januswanus

All thanks to God.

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Jul 27, 2012

MommaC

:) now that is a story worth reading.

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Jul 27, 2012

golly459

Finally something to cheer our mind, not reading about rapes, murder and corruption
Congratulation MR (nomatter how long it takes if you finally achieved it’s a success)

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Jul 27, 2012

sekhebereshe

this is so motivating...i am also going back to school next year..im finally going to study for what i always wanted to be/become...my dream careeer....halala!
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Jul 27, 2012

Mopedi_Thwiii

This article relieved my good stories cravings
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Jul 27, 2012

TDK

I know many of cops who became lawyers. They know the in- and out of the police conduct.
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Jul 27, 2012

mthosam

I want to study law as well. dispointed, I did B.admin.
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Jul 27, 2012

khekhe

A good example to our country not an uneducated JZ WHO GRADUATED TO BECOME A POLYGAMIST. we need people like this JZ and JUJU please go to school you need education.
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Jul 27, 2012

Maratachelete

Well done buti,you are an example to your fellow policemen,and you've proven that anything can be achieved with determination!
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