Dream to combat crime his reality

A police officer’s childhood dream to join the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) K9 unit was finally fulfilled in 2018.

Born and raised with a strong sense of duty, Const. Cobus van Wyk’s path into the police force took a decisive turn following a traumatic experience in 2011.

While working on a mine in Allanridge and studying towards a qualification to practice law, he and his girlfriend (now wife) were violently attacked and robbed in Welkom.

Van Wyk sustained multiple stab wounds and a broken jaw. The suspects fled with nothing more than a R20 note.

“That experience changed my path,” he says. “I wanted to stand on the front lines and be part of the solution.”

This year, the police joins the country in observing Youth Month by celebrating its young men and women in blue, who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Van Wyk (34) is attached to the Welkom K9 unit, and with over a decade of service in the police service, his journey is one of an unwavering commitment to community safety.

In 2015, he joined the police by training at the Graaff-Reinet police academy, and completed his fieldwork at the Ventersburg Police Station, where he developed a deep understanding of all core police duties.

He was later stationed at the Maseru Bridge Border Post, gaining expertise in border control, vehicle inspections, and document verification.

His ability to read environments and people with precision was forged in this challenging setting.

Inspired by the K9 unit’s visits to his primary school, he became a certified patrol dog handler in 2024 and was partnered with Kelly, a 42kg Rottweiler whose commanding presence alone helped prevent resistance at crime scenes.

Her untimely passing due to medical complications remains a deep, personal loss.

“She was not just my partner – she was family,” he reflects.

Today, Van Wyk plays a crucial role in high-risk crime prevention, counter-narcotics operations, and intelligence-led policing. He is also preparing to take over responsibilities as kennel official, overseeing the care and training of all dogs in his unit.

In 2023, Van Wyk broadened his service by joining the Free State police’s learner diver programme. Under the mentorship of WO Morne Koch, he participates in underwater search and rescue missions, evidence recovery and anti-poaching patrols in major dams, including the Vaal and Bloemhof dams.

Off-duty, he is a community coach, a tech enthusiast, and a lifelong learner.

“Each shift is a chance to make a difference,” he says.