Cop’s top dog missing

Police in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape are desperately searching for a celebrated search-and-rescue dog that went missing shortly after rescuing a 55-year-old man lost in a forest at Mahlubini in Sulenkama at the weekend.

The dog, named Olive, went missing on Sunday at about 7pm after rescuing the man, who had been missing since Friday when he went to collect wood in a nearby forest.

According to police, Olive was chased by other dogs as his handler, Constable Songezile Katikati, was about to reach their vehicle.

Katikati said: “Olive is my best friend and companion.

“He is humble and he will not harm anyone as he is trained to rescue drowning people, find missing people and evidence on crime scenes.

“I plead with anyone who sees him not to harm him, but to keep him and report to the police.”

Katikati and Olive have worked together since 2012. Olive got the best rescue dog award in the Eastern Cape in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Olive is a German shepherd, tan in colour with a black back and face.

He has a black leather collar with a clock on it around his neck.

Acting Cluster Commander Brigadier Nomawethu Makonza said: “Olive is a member that never disappointed us.

“When we send Constable Katikati and Olive to rescue someone, we are assured that they’ll bring that missing person back to his/her family.

“It is therefore disturbing news that he is missing. Our members have been out there searching for him.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Olive is asked to contact Constable Songezile Katikati on 083-5303295.

Information can also be passed on through the Saps Crime Stop 08600-10111 or Crime Line 32211. – ANA