The Sasolburg K9 police unit has welcomed a new hero to its ranks. Bravo 8548, better known as Syla, a Belgian Malinois, officially reported for duty on Monday after she successfully completed three months of intensive training as a search and rescue dog. With her keen sense of smell and unwavering dedication, Syla is set to make a profound impact in and around the Free State province.

The two-year-old Syla was initially tested as a patrol dog, but it was not a good fit for her as she did not meet the patrol dog requirements for gunfire stability. She was moved to be a search and rescue dog. She and her handler, Warrant Officer Hollie Holtzhausen, a seasoned dog handler from Sasolburg K9 Unit, excelled in search and rescue training, demonstrating remarkable skills in tracking and detection. Passing with flying colors, she now stands as the only search and rescue dog at the Sasolburg K9 Unit and one of just three in the Free State province.

Syla follows in the paw prints of her predecessor, Bennie, an 11-year-old Belgian Shepherd now enjoying retirement. Diagnosed with spondylosis, Bennie was retired early last year and has been living with Holtzhausen in Parys.

For years, Bennie and Holtzhausen worked side by side, facing challenging missions in flood situations, forensic searches, and rescue operations. Their partnership led them to assist in over 400 drowning cases, 288 murder cases, 380 missing person investigations and 76 accident scenes.

Among Bennie’s most notable cases was the 2021 search for 35-year-old Yolandi Botes, whose remains were found near the Vaal resort in Villiers after she was last seen in an Uber from OR Tambo International Airport. In 2022, he played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Jagersfontein mine dam collapse, sifting through thick sludge for signs of life. His skills were also instrumental in the 2017 case of three-year-old Liam Nortjé, whose remains were found near a railway track in Harrismith. Additionally, Bennie and Holtzhausen extended their expertise beyond South African borders, assisting in search and rescue operations in Lesotho.

“You work together with one goal in mind—to save a life or to ultimately provide families with closure when a body is found,” said Holtzhausen, reflecting on the bond between handler and dog