Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue (SAR) K9 team – including five sniffer dogs, their handlers, and a team leader have been honoured by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye.
The SAPS K9 team was among the first rescue teams to arrive and successfully assisted in recovering and rescuing one live victim aged 80 years after nine days of being trapped under the rubble and recovered more than 200 bodies.
Brigadier Vimla Moodley, the commander who was tasked with leading the SAPS rescue and recovery operations during the aftermath of the devastating earthquake received the medal of supreme sacrifice on behalf of the organisation.
RELATED: Earthquake: SAPS K-9 Unit Takes Part In Rescue Of 80-Year-Old Woman – The Bulrushes
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola said the team displayed excellence and expertise that exists within the organisation.
It is an honour to lead such excellence. When approached to go and assist the Turkish, they didnt hesitate to respond to the call of duty,” said General Fannie Masemola.
“Thank you to each one of the team members for representing the SAPS and our country with great pride.
“Many thanks to Brigadier Moodley for leading effortlessly.
The SAPS K9 Search and Rescue teams have been involved in numerous recovery operations across the world including the Haiti 2010 earthquake.
