One on one with Lieutenant Kay Makhubela

Lieutenant Kay Makhubela –  a former communications officer for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Soweto, is known for his role in interacting with journalists from various media houses as he provides facts around policing issues and incidents that require candid clarity.

Lieutenant Makhubela, tell us about your education-background?

• Well, I attended primary school at Dumani, a school situated in Dubula in Giyani. I later moved to a higher primary in Berea. After I had completed my primary level, I enrolled at Duvula Mahuntsi Junior Secondary, moved to Akani High School and completed my higher grade at Macema High School where I did my Grade 12 in 1985.

Did you go to any tertiary institution?

• Yes, I did. I have a few qualifications in my possession that I managed to obtain during my tertiary education. I should allude that, before I could register at tertiary, I had to first improve my subjects because I wasn’t content with the symbols (I had received).
• Successfully, I registered with Rosebank College studying Business Management. I moved on to Varsity College to study Project Management. I did an NQF 7 at Wits University for a course in Leadership and Communications. Now I am doing an LLB (law) with the University of South Africa.

Did you always want to be a policeman?

• (Laughs) Eeeeh!! I must say that I hadn’t thought of it thoroughly before, but yes, now I am a policeman. I liked science and maths back in school plus I was very committed, so I wanted to be something else other than being a cop. I eventually became a cop when I joined the force in 1986. I didn’t want to be a teacher, that was a no-no.

How long have you been serving the force?

• I have been with South African Police Service for almost 29-years.

In what SAPS departments have you worked under?

• I worked in intelligence, detectives, crime prevention, investigations and now communications.

Is it true that you have been promoted and if yes, how do you feel?

• Yes, I received a promotion in January to be a provincial spokesperson. I am honestly excited about this change because it motivates me to keep working hard. I love my job and I am passionate and devoted to it.

What’s the most memorable case you’ve dealt with?

• I remember investigating a case of fraud in Gauteng of payslips used to purchase cars from garages and furniture. It involved a syndicate group – we tracked them down to Germiston where they were arrested. On our way back we were ambushed and I got shot in my right leg side by the thigh. This, however, motivated me to work even harder to stop such people for the safety of our people.
• Another case was of the stealing of babies at health clinics – a two-week old baby was stolen at Mofolo – the person was found but the baby was never found.

“The woman was traced, arrested found guilty in court and sentenced to 15 years in jail and I was happy with this outcome,” said Makhubela.

Lieutenant Makhubela says that as a police officer, one shouldn’t expect to be rich, but should be ready to serve society wholeheartedly.

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