Officer Geduld from Law Enforcement called the Cape of Good Hope SPCA about a drowning dog stuck in a canal in Lotus River.
Inspector Siyabonga Mbukutshe and Cadet Inspector Lwazi Ntungele together with law enforcement officers Chuma Mpengesi, Sindi Mathews as well as water and sanitation representative Jack Ocane responded to the call.
On arrival the inspectors found the dog lodged on a piece of debris stuck in the middle of a canal with a strong flowing current amidst the pouring rain.
Inspector Siyabonga jumped into the white water current harnessed in protective gear from water and sanitation to rescue the distressed dog. The dog clawed on for dear life to the extent where all four of his paws were bloody from trying to hold his position above water.
“I did not even think twice, I saw this dog needs urgent help or it would be swept away by the current and drown,” Inspector Siyabonga reported.
Holding the lifeline connected to the harness, with the assistance of all parties present, the inspector was able to battle the current and reach the tired, distressed dog just in time.
“While I was in the deep water, I was struggling to walk and keep my direction towards the dog. The current was pushing me in a different direction.”
Siyabonga explained he used small baby steps to nudge himself closer to the dog. “Once I reached the dog, he was shivering and clearly eager to be rescued”
Inspector Siyabonga picked up the dog from the debris island and with baby steps again made his way back to safety. “Once we reached safety, I did my best to secure him to feel safe.” They immediately made their way to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA hospital for veterinary intervention and treatment.
