Police pay tribute to canine hero as community fundraises
Police pay tribute to Khulu, the canine killed in action, while residents aim to help his partner get back on the street.
BRIGHTON Beach police have paid tribute to ‘fallen hero’, Durban Metro canine, Khulu who died while chasing a thief on Wednesday, 12 March.
Since Khulu’s death, a civic-funded crime network in nearby Toti has taken up the cause of fundraising to ensure his handler, Sgt Shaun Jooste receives a replacement partner timeously.
“Sgt Shaun Jooste and his canine partner, Khulu were no strangers to members of Brighton Beach SAP. They patrolled the Brighton Beach policing area regularly. The partnership that exists between a canine and his handler is no different than the one that exists between two law enforcement partners who spend a minimum of 12-hours-a-day in each other’s company to protect and serve, no matter what the circumstances,” said Brighton Beach SAP communications officer, Cpt Louise Le Roux.
A thorough-bred German Shepherd, Khulu, christened Makhulu, was born on 24 February, 2005 and raised by Sgt Jooste from the age of six weeks. At three-years-old, Khulu commenced police dog training and he and Sgt Jooste worked as partners for six years before his death.
“Officers at the station met the news of Khulu’s death with disbelief and many were brought to tears as the report was confirmed. “People stood in groups, recalling the last incident Khulu and Sgt Jooste were involved in, in our policing area, where as always, Khulu ‘got his man’.”
Brighton Beach SAP station commander, Col Grobler, his management team and police officers salute Sgt Jooste and canine hero, Khulu for the diligent service they rendered to the Brighton Beach community and the police station. “The passing of Khulu was a shock to us all and he will be remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of working with him and Sgt Jooste,” said Cpt Le Roux.
Saddened by the death of Khulu, the Amanzimtoti Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) decided to raise funds to source a new canine partner for Sgt Jooste. CCPO committee member, Rob Mills said: “We know about all the amazing work Shaun does in Toti and in South Durban, and we wanted to do whatever we can to get him back out there, doing what he does best.
Due to the time factor, with Metro Police having to train a new dog for him, we decided to raise the funds to get a dog already trained to that level.”
So far they have raised about R11,000, with money coming in all from all over the country. Once the required amount of between R20,000 and R25,000 is raised, Shaun will be given the opportunity to go to the selected dog training school to bond with a dog and complete the training alongside his future partner.
“Any surplus funds raised will be used to help other members of the canine unit once we have helped Shaun,” said Mills. Donations can be deposited into the fund’s standard bank account: account name: Fallen K9 Fund, account number: 1068503602, Nedbank current account, branch code: 130627. The account will be audited and managed by Nedbank. Cash donations can be handed in at ET Rapid Response, 20 Lewis Drive. For information, or queries, call Rob Mills on 082-490-7153.
