Lansdowne’s police chief, Captain Julian Moses, is retiring after more than 30 years in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Captain Moses started as a guard at Parliament at the age of 25. He worked there for seven years before moving to the public order unit in Faure, where he stayed for 15 years before being promoted to lieutenant and moving to Lansdowne SAPS.
Two years later, he was appointed station commander, a position he has held for four years.
Captain Moses, 60, said he looked forward to spending more time with his wife and daughters. He and his wife celebrated their 25th anniversary recently, but he said the late-night shifts and overtime had taken their toll on his family.
Like many other police officers, he has seen his fair share of tragedy.
“I clearly remember a truck incident where a truck drove over the train tracks and many farmworkers died in the accident or when a building collapsed in Paarl and I couldn’t do anything to help. I had to stand there and wait for it to stabilise first before I could help anyone.”
But police got through the tough times, he said, by supporting one another.
“We were always there for each other no matter what. We opened doors for each other and supported each other through the good and bad times. I have had a great relationship with my colleagues.”
He thanked the community and his colleagues for their support over the years.
“I have served many years, and I feel that it is my time to step down now. It has been an honour helping my community and I’ve gained so much. I have experienced so many things and been through horrible situations,and now I want to spend time with my wife and two daughters.
“Thank you for always supporting us and allowing us to serve you, for understanding our work and doing the best you could to help us. Thank you to my colleagues for being the best they can be and for serving our people,” he said.