Edited by Bev Mortimer – On 3 and 4 January this year two K9 dogs, Misty & Ogi, were responsible for assisting their SAPS handlers to locate two bodies .
In the law enforcement environment, the police K9 Search and Rescue teams, are the unsung heroes who consistently stand out for their exceptional performance of duties.
In the first instance on 3 January 2024 at about 11 pm, SAPS Storms River were alerted to a suicide committed by a 57 year-old man from Plettenberg Bay who drove his vehicle to the Bloukrans Bridge and abandoned it.
The Gqeberha Search and Rescue Unit, the SAPS K9 unit and other law enforcement agencies were immediately contacted to search for the person, who they believed, in all probability would have jumped off the 216m bridge.
The Gqeberha Search and Rescue Unit, the SAPS K9 unit and other law enforcement agencies and managed to secure it but due to the depth and terrain below the bridge recovery was hampered and more resources were needed. Then due to a precipice, Gerber’s K9 buddy, ‘Misty’, stayed on the bridge. The following day about 2.30 pm the body was airlifted by the SANDF helicopter.
In a second K9 rescue on 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. They set out 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 rubber rduck against strong winds, the Segeant had to keep an eye on the deceased’s body and his dog, Ogi. This gallant performance resulted in the safe retrieval of the badly decomposed body.
The SAPS praises the work and help from the K9 Unit dogs. “These four-legged faithful 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, ” the SAPS notice, issued by Col Priscilla Naidu says.
“Police K9 Search and Rescue teams showcase remarkable skills in tracking and locating missing individuals. Their acute sense of smell, agility, and intelligence make them indispensable assets in critical situations, ” she further says.
“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. Their expertise extends beyond the urban environment to challenging terrains, including dense forests, mountains, and disaster-stricken areas.”
Col Naidu adds that the SAPS in the Eastern Cape recognises the outstanding performance of this unit especially during the festive sason where their expertise and knowledge were put to the test. “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 is perilous yet rewarding.”
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene expressed her gratitude to these dedicated officers and their canines in the Eastern Cape Search and Rescue Units, saying they 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 specialised teams.
“Despite the inherent risks, these teams persevere, driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to serving , these teams persevere, driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to serving their communities,” Lt Gen Mene added.
