A POST mortem will reveal the cause of death of the Shongweni K9 Unit’s Chaka, who was missing for 10 days.
The search was called off on Saturday 25 October after its body was discovered under some reeds on the river bank in the vicinity of Wiltshire Road.
Chaka went missing while chasing housebreaking suspects in the vicinity of Wiltshire Road, off Hans Dettman Highway in Pinetown last Friday 17 October. A reward of R8000 was offered for the dog’s safe return while extensive searches covered the area where he disappeared.
According to Andreas Mathois of the Neighbourhood Watches Association, a search party made up of a group of volunteers went out on Saturday and made the unfortunate discovery.
Captain Neil Thaver of the Shongweni K9 Unit said no further information is available, because an autopsy is being conducted as part of the official investigation.
“Chaka’s body will be cremated and his ashes returned to the unit. Chaka’s handler, Constable Elliot Mdadane was saddened by the incident and has taken a week’s leave of absence to get through this ordeal. Chaka was his first canine partner,” said Thaver.
Brigadier Harry, head of KZN SAPS spoke to Mathios telephonically and said he wished to congratulate and ensure that every role player was thanked for their dedication in searching for the much-loved service dog.
He thanked all affiliated neighbourhood watches, the duty managers and staff at SA CAN, SAP Airwing, SAPS Pinetown, SAPS Mariannhill, SAPS Malvern, Queensburgh Crime Watch, residents of Mariannhill, Shongweni K9, paramedic teams from Meditech, ER 24, Netcare, Rescuetech and all surrounding CPFs from Pinetown and surrounding Kloof areas for their support, as well as the many volunteers who assisted in the search.
“Plans are underway by the Neighbourhood Watches Association (NWA) for a memorial service in the coming days, and for the design and building of a memorial wall that will be built at all the Durban dog units. However, this is to be confirmed by the community committee of the NWA. Pledge donations are pouring in and we are so grateful,” said Mathios.
He added that this tragedy serves as a reminder that the community speared headed by the NWA and its values sends a positive message to all police members, especially the Durban K9 units at Durban Central, Durban South and Shongweni that its up to the community organisations to change their mind set to respect, appreciate and support each other in the never-ending task of fighting and managing criminal behaviour, not just here but in South Africa.
Messages have poured in on social networks paying respects to the brave Chaka.
Tenille de Vos wrote: “Which ever way it happened, I do hope he rests in peace and all sorrow in those last minutes is forgotten.”
Lynette Wucherpfennig wrote: “RIP brave hero.”
Belinda Grant wrote: “Very sad. Thank u Chaka for all u did. Thinking of all who worked with him. Must be devastating.”
XJR1200 wrote: “So sorry to hear of the passing of Chaka. I am just grateful that he has been found and that he can be buried as befits a Police Officer. My sincere condolences to his handler, the K9 Unit and all who were involved in the search. RIP Chaka.”
Antoinette Russouw wrote: “Very sad news! RIP Chaka … Run free over the Rainbow Bridge … Brave Boy!”
