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Eastern Cape police have paid tribute to the SAPS K9 unit and their dogs in particular, who they say, are the “unsung heroes” of the police service in many cases.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said their duties are both “proactive and reactive” but she said they “rarely share the limelight” of their successes.
Most recently, the K9 unit was involved in the search and recovery of the body of a man from Jeffrey’s Bay who had jumped from the 120m Storms River Bridge.
Naidu said the Gqeberha K9 Search and Rescue Unit began the search for the man on Saturday, but their efforts were hampered by inclement weather.
She said the team returned on Sunday and their only option was to abseil to the bottom of the gorge where they discovered the deceased’s body about two kilometres downstream in the icy water.
However, due to torrential downpours, Naidu said the body was only recovered on Monday.
Police have not yet released the name of the deceased.
Naidu said the Eastern Cape K9 Search and Rescue Unit comprises seven trained members five “fully trained and skilled canines.”
One such canine in Misty and handler, Warrant-Officer Ettienne Gerber.
Naidu said they have “come close to meeting their maker” many times and was also been involved in the search and recovery operation at Storms River.
