Cape Town, January 9, 2025 – In the heart of Gugulethu, a story of canine devotion has won the hearts of the local SAPS office and is set to win the hearts of all of Cape Town. Known affectionately as “Sergeant” or “Serg,” for short a grieving dog has become Gugulethu’s very own Hachikō (Japan’s faithful Akita who waited for the rest of his life for an owner who could never return).
Sergeant’s story began in mid-December when an elderly man arrived at the SAPS Gugulethu station seeking medical help, accompanied by his faithful dog. The man was taken to the hospital but tragically passed away, leaving his devoted companion behind to do the only thing he could do—wait.
The dog remained outside the station, waiting at the door his owner had entered, anticipating his return with every person who exited. His presence moved the officers, particularly the station’s exhibit commander, Captain Veale, who named him “Sergeant” or “Serg” for short, in honour of his loyalty.
“He earned his title,” said Captain Veale. “Sergeant reminded us of the values we strive to uphold – duty, commitment, and service. He became one of us in every way that mattered.”
Serg quickly became part of the team, standing proudly beside officers at parade time and sleeping beneath the station’s parked vehicles at night. Despite their efforts to care for him, the void left by his owner was too great. His appetite dwindled, his spirit dimmed, and it became clear that Serg needed more than the station could provide.
“Asking the SPCA to take him was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make,” said Captain Veale. “But I knew it was the right thing for him. He was pining away and he deserved a chance to heal and find a new purpose. I knew he couldn’t find that here.”
Captain Veale Tells Sergeant's Story
From Grief to New Beginnings
On January 7, Sergeant’s journey took a new turn when the SPCA stepped in to help. Inspector Jeffrey Mfini, who collected Sergeant, described the moment as bittersweet.
“When I saw him, I felt the weight of his sorrow,” said Mfini, “this wasn’t just a dog waiting, this was a soul grieving. I want nothing more than to see the spark back in his eyes, that little twinkle of happiness that comes with love reciprocated”.
Now under the care of the SPCA, Sergeant has been given a clean bill of health—apart from a few ticks—and is ready to start afresh.
“Sergeant’s story isn’t just about loss—it’s about how love endures in spite of it“, says Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “He reminds us of the unconditional love every dog gives —a love that doesn’t waver, doesn’t judge, and never fades.” Abraham says “Dogs give us their whole hearts, asking for little in return but kindness and care. It’s up to us, as a society, to prove ourselves worthy of that devotion by treating them with the respect and compassion they deserve. We look forward to honouring the man who loved him first by finding him a new home worthy of his devotion”.
A New Beginning for a Hero
Sergeant waits once more—although no longer for an owner who can never return for him, but for a new family who will love him back.
For more information about Sergeant or to inquire about adoption, please contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA 0217004152 or email adoptions@spca-ct.co.za
