KUGOMPO CITY – A search operation is underway for SAPS K9 Floppy after he went missing while tracking armed robbery suspects in Mdantsane, KuGompo City, with police expressing serious concern over its safety.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Vuyisile Ncata called on the public to come forward if they see the K9.

“We are deeply concerned for the safety of our K9, Floppy, who was bravely performing his duty. We urge anyone with information on his whereabouts or the suspects to come forward immediately,” Ncata said.

According to police, on Friday morning 12 June, three armed suspects stormed Nzuzo Primary School in NU16, Mdantsane, and allegedly robbed the school of 20 laptops and 15 cellphones before fleeing in the principal’s black Peugeot.

Police later recovered the vehicle about one kilometre from the school, after which the suspects were tracked into dense bush near a dam in the area.

Floppy, a trained SAPS patrol breed K9, was deployed alongside his handler during the operation to track the suspects.

Moments later, the handler reportedly heard a suspect shouting from within the bush, followed by the sound of gunshots.

Additional SAPS members were deployed to assist, but upon entering the area, neither the suspects nor Floppy could be located.

An extensive air and ground search was launched, with support from community volunteers using drones. However, the operation was suspended at 17:30 due to poor visibility.

Police have confirmed that the three suspects remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is urged to contact SAPS on 08600 10111 or report to the nearest police station.

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