Praise for K9 rescue efforts
TRIGGER WARNING: This article describes the retrieval of the bodies of two people who died by suicide, and by drowning, respectively.
The SAPS in the Eastern Cape has hailed the outstanding performance of the K9 search and rescue unit, particularly during the festive period when their expertise and knowledge were put to the test.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said SAPS Storms River were alerted to a possible suicide attempt on January 3 2024 at about 11pm.
“A 57-year-old man from Plettenberg Bay had driven his vehicle to the Bloukrans Bridge and abandoned it,” Naidu said.
“The roleplayers including the Gqeberha search and rescue unit were immediately contacted to commence searching for the person who [was believed to have] jumped off the 216m bridge.
The next day, January 4, Warrant Officer Etienne Gerber located the body and managed to secure it, Naidu said.
“However due to the depth and the terrain below the bridge, recovery was hampered and more resources were needed. Also, due to the [precipitous terrain], his K9 partner Misty remained on the bridge.
“On January 5 at about 2.30pm, the body was airlifted by a SANDF helicopter.”
Meanwhile, in Mthatha, on Thursday January 4 2024, Sergeant Songezile Katikati and his dog, Ogi, from the Mthatha search and rescue unit risked their lives in the line of duty.
They braved harsh weather conditions to bring closure to the family of a man who had drowned on December 23 2023 while swimming in a dam near Mthatha.
While manoeuvring his inflatable boat against strong winds, he also had to keep an
eye on his dog, Ogi, while they tracked the man’s body and safely retrieved it.
“The outstanding accomplishments of W/O Gerber and Sgt Katikati deserve recognition,” Naidu said.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene expressed gratitude to the dedicated officers and their dogs.
“The search and rescue units truly embody the spirit of service and sacrifice, making them invaluable assets to our communities,” Mene said.
“The success stories of 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 their communities.”
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. These highly trained dogs, working in partnership 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. —