EASTERN CAPE NEWS - Eastern Cape police have confirmed the death of patrol dog Floppy, who was reported missing after being deployed during a manhunt for armed robbery suspects in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape last Friday, 12 June.
According to SAPS, Floppy’s body was recovered at about 13:00 yesterday (15 June) following an extensive operation involving search-and-rescue teams in the dense vegetation.
Police said the dog had sustained gunshot wounds.
The search followed a robbery in which three suspects entered Nzuzo Primary School and took 20 laptops and 15 cellphones at gunpoint. The suspects also allegedly stole the principal’s Peugeot before fleeing.
Members of the Mdantsane Flying Squad later recovered the vehicle about 1km from the school. The suspects were then seen running into the bushes near a dam, prompting the deployment of the K9 Unit.
According to police, Floppy and his handler tracked and cornered the suspects in thick bush. When the men attempted to flee further into the vegetation, the handler released Floppy to apprehend them.
Moments later, the handler heard shouting, followed by gunshots. Additional police officers responded, but Floppy could not be located, and the suspects escaped.
Police, assisted by members of the public who provided drones, conducted extensive air and ground searches before poor visibility forced operations to be suspended. The search resumed the following day, leading to the discovery of Floppy’s body.
The three suspects remain at large, and the investigation is continuing.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist in locating the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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