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Police Search and Rescue SAR K9 drowns while searching for missing child during KwaZulu-Natal floods
South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara, age 42 who was a member of the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue (SAR) Police diving unit and SAR K9 Leah from the Durban Central Search and Rescue (SAR) unit, were killed in the line of duty during a search operation in the KwaZulu-Natal floods. Police said that at about 11h30am on Sunday morning, 17 April 2022, Sergeant Mjwara was conducting a search in the Msunduzi River for three victims who had drowned earlier in the week, when she got into difficulty and drowned. Sgt Busi was swept away by a current. K9 Leah bravely jumped in after her to rescue her and they both tragically drowned. She was quickly retrieved and resuscitation efforts were made but sadly, they both succumbed. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was sadly declared dead on arrival.
Rescue spokesperson Warren Brauns said, “Today (Sunday), an angel earned her wings. A K9 has reached the rainbow bridge. To your family, friends, partners and colleagues, our thoughts are with you. Our sincere condolences to the family and all who have had the privilege to work alongside the two of you. Rest in peace. Your shift is done.” National Police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, expressed sadness about the deaths of the SAPS members. “On behalf of the SAPS, let me take this opportunity to thank the deceased members for their service to the nation. These members died heroines, putting their country first. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the two members, K9 Leah and those members who have lost their loved ones,” General Masemola said. Artist Tam Olckers, 48-years-old, expressed her loss for the pair in a beautiful comic. She paid tribute to Busi and Leah, and her post has since gone viral locally. Olckers uses drawing and doodling to express her emotions when words fail. Olckers works for Newzroom Africa and was on duty this weekend when reports started coming in regarding the loss of Busi and Leah. She is blown away that people are finding comfort in her drawing. She hopes it finds its way to Busi’s family and Leah’s handler too, bringing them comfort during this time. From the Fire and Rescue International Team, we share our deepest condolences to Sgt Mjwara’s family, friends and colleagues. May Sgt Mjwara’s and K9 Leah rest in Peace. Thank you for your service. Sources: News 24 |
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