‘Zulu’ is ready to track and trace

Meet Zulu – Pumula’s very own specialised tracking dog, the first of his kind on the South Coast.

And it’s all thanks to the ‘Bloodhound Gang’ – Kerry Massey and her team from Pumula Crime Watch, Dennis Dolan of Orion Tracking and Karel Beetge of Enviro Watch.

ALSO READ : Tails up at Saps K9 unit

Orion Tracking’s generous sponsorship included covering the cost of the very special Zulu, as well as two bicycles for the guards.

The bicycles enabled mobile patrols to be undertaken during December, which made both residents and holidaymakers feel a lot safer.

Pumula resident, Tommy Koekemoer has kindly offered to sponsor Zulu’s food and to cover any vet bills, and Rob Wyly has sponsored reflective vests and bibs for the guards, as well as an anti-stab vest for Zulu.

However, materials to build Zulu a transport cage are still needed.

Should you be in a position to assist call 083 946 7042 or 079 152 2092.

Zulu is a magnificent 11-month-old bloodhound cross Doberman.

He has been bred and trained to assist in search and rescue operations, with a special focus on tracing missing persons and tracking down criminals.

Zulu and his handler, Karel, who has 21 years’ police experience, underwent extensive training at K9 Village in Cullinan, Pretoria.

Karel was stationed at Southport police station, was previously a member of the flying squad and was involved in investigating illegal firearms in the 1990s.

His new role is the protection of farms and his community.

“Zulu has a sharp nose and is really good at what he does. He has the incredible ability to track people based on being able to follow the minute particles of human skin cells,” said Karel.

The pair have bonded nicely, and Zulu has even taken over the bed, much to the horror of Karel’s wife, Ingrid.

Zulu’s arrival coincides with a general increase in criminal activity on the coast.

Incidents reported included:

* A house robbery in Casuarina Drive, Hibberdene on Monday this week. According to police spokesman Captain Petros Mpinge, two men armed with a knife and a firearm entered the house and demanded cash from the domestic worker. When they began searching the house, she pressed the panic button, triggering the alarm and causing them to flee.

* A man (43) was awoken in his Abelia Crescent, Sea Park home on January 19 by his son who informed him that someone was in the house. Cpt Mpinge said the children hid while the father confronted the intruder and asked him to leave. The intruder produced a knife and stabbed the man several times in the head and chest. The man fled taking two laptops, cellphones and a DVD player. Entry was gained by removing a burglar guard from the kitchen window.

* A 62-year-old man was attacked by two men, armed with pangas, in his Ambleside, Umtentweni home on Monday night. When the man tried to protect himself with a chair, he was struck on the side with a panga. Fortunately, he was not injured. Cpt Mpinge said the suspects fled with two laptops, a wallet containing cash, and a cellphone. Entry was gained by forcing open a security gate.

* A grocery store in Umtentweni was burgled between Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16. The intruders gained entry through the ceiling. Cigarettes were stolen.

* A man (54) and his 74-year-old mother were in their Uvongo home in the early hours of Tuesday, January 14 when they were assaulted with a crowbar and robbed. Their vehicle was also stolen. According to police spokesman, Sergeant Sibu Ncane the vehicle was later found abandoned on the side of the road at Qinabout in Gamalakhe. The mother and son were both taken to hospital.

* A Leisure Bay, Port Edward man heard a noise outside on Saturday, January 18. He went to investigate and when he returned to the house, he found five men holding his wife at gunpoint. They were soon joined by another three intruders, armed with knives. They demanded money and fled with R10 000 in cash. The man and his wife were not injured.

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