“Floppy was a dog who carried out his duty bravely”. (Photo: Provided)
Floppy, a police patrol dog who disappeared without a trace during a search for three suspected armed robbers on Friday, was found dead with numerous gunshot wounds.
Capt. Majola Nkohli, police spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, confirmed to Maroela Media that the police dog was found dead, but could not provide any further details.
Floppy took part in a police operation in Mdantsane with his handler on Friday where three armed men raided Nzuzo Primary School.
According to the police, the suspects threatened the school staff and fled with 20 laptops, 15 mobile phones and the principal’s black Peugeot.
Members of the Mdantsane air wing responded quickly and located the stolen vehicle about a kilometer from the school. However, the three suspects jumped out of the vehicle and disappeared into dense woods near a dam.
The police’s dog unit was called, after which a sergeant and his patrol dog, Floppy, located the men in the woods and pinned them down. When the suspects fled deeper into the woods, Floppy was released to stop them.
Shortly after, the handler heard one of the suspects yelling from the bushes, followed by several gunshots.
“When the police searched the area, there was no sign of Floppy or the three suspects,” the police say.
An extensive air and ground search, in which residents participated with drones, was launched. The search was later called off due to poor visibility, but the police have since confirmed that Floppy was found dead.
Lt. Gen. Vuyisile Ncata, provincial police commissioner of the Eastern Cape, said earlier that the police are concerned about Floppy’s safety and that he is a dog that “carried out its duty bravely”.
The investigation into the armed robbery continues.