K9 Search and Rescue units play crucial role

EASTERN CAPE NEWS - In the law enforcement environment, the police's K9 Search and Rescue teams consistently stand out for their exceptional performance of duties.

These faithful four-legged officers and their handlers play a crucial role in locating missing persons, whether alive or deceased, and rescuing people from treacherous waters. Their dedication to duty often goes unnoticed.

Priscilla Naidu, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Police, says that the K9 Search and Rescue teams show remarkable skills in tracking and locating missing individuals. "Their acute sense of smell, agility and intelligence make them indispensable assets in critical situations," she says.

"These highly trained dogs, working in unison with their handlers, can 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."

This was evident when on 3 January at about 23:00, Storms River Police were alerted to a possible suicide where a 57-year-old man from Plettenberg Bay had driven his vehicle to the Bloukrans bridge where it was abandoned.

The role players needed, including the Gqeberha Search and Rescue Unit, were immediately contacted to commence searching for the man who was suspected to have jumped off the 216m bridge.

The next day, WO 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.

The body was airlifted by the South African National Defence Force helicopter on 5 January, at about 14:30.

In another incident 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 to bring closure to the family of a man who had drowned on 23 December last year while swimming in a dam in Mthatha.

While manually operating his inflated rubber duck against strong winds, he also had to keep an eye on the body and his dog. His gallant performance resulted in the safe retrieval of the body.

"The outstanding accomplishments of both WO Gerber and Sgt Katikati deserve recognition as, in any police official's vocation, the risks they face every day are perilous yet rewarding," says Naidu.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, says that the Search and Rescue Units truly embody the spirit of service and sacrifice, making them invaluable assets to the communities.

Sgt Songezile Katikati and his dog, Ogi, of the Mthatha Search and Rescue Unit. Photos: Eastern Cape Police

Members of the Gqeberha Search and Rescue Unit who were involved in retrieving the body of a 57-year-old-male who had jumped off the Bloukrans bridge.