KUGOMPO CITY – The search for SAPS K9 member Floppy has ended in tragedy, after police confirmed the patrol dog died in the line of duty.

His body was recovered this afternoon, in dense bush, during an extensive search operation.

Floppy went missing last week after a coordinated operation in the Eastern Cape, where he was sent in to track armed robbery suspects.

“It is with great sadness that the South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape is confirming the death of a patrol dog, Floppy, who was reported missing last week,” police said in a statement.

“Several teams from Search and Rescue units launched a massive search in the dense bushes of NU-16, Mdantsane. Floppy’s body was recovered around 13:00 with gunshot wounds,” the statement added.

Floppy searched for armed robbery suspects

On Friday, 12 June, three suspects allegedly robbed Nzuzo Primary School in Mdantsane, stealing 20 laptops and 15 cellphones. At the time they fled with the school principal’s black Peugeot vehicle.

The vehicle was later recovered approximately one kilometre from the school after the suspects fled into nearby bush.

The K9 Unit, including Floppy and his handler, was then sent in to track the suspects through dense vegetation. Gunshots were later heard after the dog was released to assist in the pursuit.

Despite an extensive search operation involving SAPS members, search-and-rescue teams and community volunteers — supported by drone technology — neither the suspects nor Floppy were initially located over the weekend.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist in tracing the suspects to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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