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Two K9 officers showed this past week how important their work is in bringing closure to the families of people whose bodies had to be recovered from treacherous terrain.
In the law enforcement environment, the police K9 Search and Rescue teams, the unsung heroes consistently stand out for their exceptional performance of duties.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, these four-legged officers and their handlers play a crucial role in locating missing persons, whether alive or deceased, rescue people from treacherous waters and their dedication to duty often goes unnoticed.
"Their acute sense of smell, agility, and intelligence make them indispensable assets in critical situations.
"These highly trained dogs, working in unison with their handlers, are able to cover vast areas swiftly and efficiently, significantly increasing the chances of finding individuals in distress," said Naidu.
"Their expertise extends beyond the urban environment to challenging terrains, including dense forests, mountains, and disaster-stricken areas.
"The Eastern Cape SAPS recognises this unit's outstanding performance, especially during the Festive period, where their expertise and knowledge were tested," she added.
Naidu further added," on Wednesday, January 3, at about 23:00, SAPS Storms River was alerted to a suicide whereby a 57-year-old man from Plettenberg Bay had driven his vehicle to the Bloukrans Bridge and abandoned it.
"The necessary role-players, including the Gqeberha Search and Rescue Unit, were immediately contacted to search for the person who would have jumped off the 216m bridge."
" On Thursday, January 4, W/O Etienne Gerber located the body and managed to secure it; however, due to the depth and terrain below the bridge, recovery was hampered, and more resources were needed.
"Also, due to the precipice, his K9 buddy ‘Misty’ remained on the bridge.
"On Friday, January 5, at about 14:30, the body was airlifted by the SANDF helicopter."
In an unrelated incident, on Thursday, 4 January, Sgt Songezile Katikati and his dog Ogi from the Mthatha Search and Rescue Unit risked their lives in the line of duty by braving harsh weather conditions to bring closure to the family of a man who had drowned on 23 December 2023 while swimming in a dam in Mthatha.
"While manually operating his inflated rubberduck against strong winds, he also had to watch the body and his dog, Ogi.
"His gallant performance resulted in the safe retrieval of the badly decomposed body."
"The outstanding accomplishments of both W/O Gerber and Sgt Katikati deserve recognition as, in any police official’s vocation, the risks they face every day are perilous yet rewarding."
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, expresses her gratitude to the dedicated officers and their canines in the Eastern Cape Search and Rescue Units who work diligently to bring solace to those in need.
"The Search and Rescue Units truly embody the spirit of service and sacrifice, making them invaluable assets to our communities. The success stories of reuniting families and bringing closure to loved ones are a testament to the effectiveness of these specialized teams. Despite the inherent risks, these teams persevere, driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to serving their communities," said Mene.
