Crime fighter retires after 40 years

Jabulani Vane had dedicated his life to protecting and serving the public for 40 years as a policeman.

At 60 Vane decided to retire from a life of dodging bullets and to take some time to rest. He joined the police at the tender age of 20 when he could not afford to go to university. “My uncle was a policeman so he encouraged me to become one as well,” he said. Vane hails from Durban, but it was in Alexandra where he spent most of his adult life.

A shortage of manpower saw Vane work at Alexandra, Hillbrow and Bramley police stations. “I had a good time at Bramley Police Station, and my supervisor was very supportive,” he said. Vane admitted that being a police officer took courage and his first few days were not easy. He was thrown into the deep end when he was tasked with senior duties only three months into the job.

“I loved my job because it meant that I protected the ones I love and every person in the community.” He said that he saw all children in Alexandra as his own and he had to protect them. Vane has ten children and twelve grandchildren.

Vane now spends his time with his family and relaxes. “I will see with time what I can do with my life, for now I am just enjoying all the time I have with my family,” he said.

Vane said that he considered himself lucky because he had been shot at numerous times but no bullet ever hit him.