The South African Police Service (SAPS) highlighted the invaluable role of K9 units in supporting these operations. With their exceptional sense of smell and acute hearing, SAPS K9 dogs played a crucial role in detecting explosives and narcotics, often in high-risk environments where human officers faced potential danger.

SAPS K9 handlers underwent extensive training to develop the expertise needed to care for and work alongside their canine partners. Wearing the dog handler’s badge with pride, these officers exemplified dedication and discipline in their service.

Among the trusted K9s assisting in Operation Vala Umgodi were Oubaas, Ziva, Lady, and Boby, who worked tirelessly alongside their handlers—Warrant Officer Nkwinika, Sergeant Shivuri, Sergeant Mmakola, and Sergeant Mashinini—to uncover illegal explosives and narcotics.

These K9 teams formed part of the Mission Area Joint Operational Centre (MAJOC) roving unit, acting as force multipliers in support of Tactical Joint Operational Centres (TACJOC) in provinces affected by illegal mining.

By that time, Operation Vala Umgodi had resulted in the arrest of more than 18,000 suspects, the majority of whom were illegal foreign nationals. Law enforcement had also seized 458 illegal firearms, over 12,000 rounds of ammunition, and illicit goods, including drugs, explosives, trucks, vehicles, and uncut diamonds valued at over R32 million.

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“On Friday, 31 January 2025, my colleagues and I conducted an unannounced visit to the Cape Town K9 Unit, and our findings should alarm all South Africans. The unit is on the brink of collapse, reflecting broader systemic failures in the country. SAPS management appears oblivious to the globally recognised role and effectiveness of K9 units in crime-fighting,” Cameron stated.

During the visit, the committee observed a leadership crisis, a lack of appreciation for the unit’s critical role, and what Cameron described as dereliction of duty. He found it unacceptable that the Cape Town K9 Unit has only two operational dogs. “In a city plagued by drug-related crime and gangsterism, with an international airport and harbour that could serve as drug entry points, it is unacceptable to have such inadequate resources to combat crime,” he added.

While the Cape Town situation is alarming, Mr Cameron stressed that the national picture is even worse, raising serious questions about the SAPS management’s commitment to crime-fighting. He highlighted that in Cape Town alone, 50% of dog handlers lack dogs, training at Roodeplaat is ineffective and outdated, and the SAPS remains reliant on a prolonged dog training strategy that fails to address immediate crime-fighting needs.

Cameron underscored the strategic importance of the K9 Unit, citing its critical capabilities in tracking criminals, detecting explosives, uncovering narcotics, and participating in rescue missions. He argued that the SAPS management’s failure to acknowledge or prioritise this capability suggests a deeper unwillingness to implement effective crime-fighting strategies, particularly in curbing the increasing drug crisis.

He called for the National Commissioner to conduct an urgent skills audit of the unit, starting at management level, given the evident dereliction of duty. He also urged a review of the current strategy that prevents the purchase of already trained dogs, which could help bridge the capability gap.

“It is imperative that SAPS implements every available strategy to fight crime. The neglect of the K9 Unit is an indictment of SAPS’s ability and commitment to this cause,” Cameron stated.

He further noted that the failure of SAPS management to effectively utilise the K9 Unit directly impacts the morale of its dedicated personnel. He stressed the urgent need for a clear and innovative intervention to restore the unit’s effectiveness. “National and provincial managers responsible for this unit must be held accountable for their mismanagement, which has rendered the unit dysfunctional,” he emphasised.

The committee will summon SAPS management to account for their plans to revitalise the K9 Unit as a critical component of crime-fighting efforts.

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During the first incident, SAPS officers attached to the Breederiver K9 unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Kuilsrivier STESU, Provincial Traffic and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs arrested a 39-year-old male for possession of abalone without permit during an integrated operation on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

The officers followed up on intelligence received of a truck transporting abalone from Cape Town on the N1 national road. A Vehicle Check Point (VCP) was setup on the N1 Road near Meirings Park, Worcester. The identified truck was spotted and pulled over by Traffic Police, and a search of the truck revealed the illicit cargo.

Abalone was discovered inside the cabin by K9 Layla, a protected species detection dog. Further searches were conducted by Layla, resulting in more bags being discovered in a compartment attached to the outside of the truck.

On the same day, information was received of a second truck, allegedly also transporting abalone from Cape Town. Worcester Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to the information and pulled over the truck on the N-1. Officers conducted a search and discovered 960 dried abalone, with an estimated value of R468 105,00 inside the cabin of the truck. They subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man for possession of abalone.

Both suspects are due to appear in the Worcester Magistrates’ court on 12 September 2024 on the mentioned charges.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the members involved for their vigilance, outstanding commitment, and dedication that led to the arrests and confiscation of the abalone

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Currently, the unit boasts a dozen active K9s trained in detecting narcotics, explosives, and trailing dogs used in the search for missing persons. The new recruits are undergoing rigorous basic training and bonding with their handlers. Among them are Tina, a two-year-old German Shepherd; Gizmo and Djenko, both 14-month-old Belgian Malinois; and Magnum, a 16-month-old Malinois/German Shepherd cross.

“It really is something to watch our K9s in action. They have added so much value to our fight against crime, and the drug trade in particular, over the past 15 years, and I look forward to seeing how the new recruits acquit themselves. They have big paws to fill, when you consider the likes of Savage, Troy and Xena, who were just a few of the legendary K9s in our kennels over the years.”

“But apart from their crime-fighting abilities, these dogs are among the best brand ambassadors that one can find, and building relationships between the enforcement services, and communities,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In the ongoing efforts to stem the narcotics trade, Metro Police has reported a significant uptick in drug seizures for the financial year spanning July 2023 to March 2024. There were more than 9000 drug-related arrests and over 69000 units of drugs confiscated in the 2023/2024 period.

Mandrax, tik, dagga, and heroin remain among the most commonly confiscated narcotics.

“These successes are largely thanks to routine visible patrols, tips from the public and of course our intrepid K9s who help expose the very creative hiding places of drug dealers. But, while the numbers are impressive, the city’s role in cutting down to size the drug trade remains limited.”

“All arrests and confiscations are handed over to South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation and prosecution. The city doesn’t have the powers to go after the big fish, and dismantle drug routes. We are hopeful that SAPS will be properly resourced to deal with this scourge, and will continue to support them in any way possible,” said Smith.

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