THRILLING STUFF: Oyama, 9, is wide-eyed with excitement while on patrol with Warrant Officer Jacques Muir, right, and Constable Adrian Smith. Oyama got to live his dream of being a policeman yesterday. Picture: MIKE HOLMES
SIRENS blared, dogs barked, and a little boy lived his dream of becoming a policeman.
Kitted out in a police vest, handcuffs at the ready and police dog by his side, nine-year-old Oyama was provided with a chance to get the bad guy, thanks to a collaboration between the Reach for a Dream Foundation and Humewood Police Station.
Oyama, whose family did not want his surname mentioned, has a life-threatening disease.
Family member Xolani Dingela, 38, of Kwazakhele, said Oyama had been dreaming of becoming a cop for at least three years.
“So I am so happy and proud of him today,” Dingela said.
Officials from Humewood put on an elaborate chase so Oyama could “catch” a criminal.
In Forest Hill he was given a photograph of a “wanted thief”.
Before long the “thief” jumped out of a van in front of the boy, who gave chase with his dog. The “thief” was then arrested. A proud Oyama was presented with a certificate as well as toys and snacks as a reward “for his bravery”.
Warrant Officer Mandy Dicker said she was honoured to help Oyama live his dream.
“It is a privilege to be able to make someone’s dream come true,” she said.
“I could do this every day – just to put a smile on someone’s face.”
A giggling Oyama said: “I am very happy. Today I got to see what policemen get up to.
“They arrest thieves, and the dogs bite the evil people.
“I like how the dog was chasing the thief.”
Reach for a Dream coordinator Heather Mazamba, 24, said she was always fulfilled by her job.
“No dream is too big or too small,” she said.
“The fact that Oyama lived his dream inspires him and gives him hope to fight his illness.”
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