Buddy sniffed out R100 million in drug search and seizures but was sadly retired after facing the barrel of an AK47; in a historic moment, he was honoured for his bravery and service to South Africa.
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 January 2024) – Buddy retired from the SAPS K9 unit in 2021 after being shot with an AK47 during a cash-in-transit heist. In a historic move, the retired police Border Collie has become the first retired SAPS K9, of his breed, to be honoured with a special medal for bravery.
HOT 102.7FM was there to watch the moment Buddy was honoured and share it with supporters and fans of the station. They got to speak to Buddy’s handler Warrant Officer Bennie Weise, who shared that Buddy was donated to the K9 unit where he was trained to be a drug detection K9.
Buddy spent three months in training to specialise and work with the narcotics units. His career spanned three years and within that time, he used his keen senses to sniff out over R100 million worth of illegal drugs.
The shooting brought Buddy’s career to a halt, pushing the clever collie into retirement after surviving the injury. He was shot through two of his legs. Buddy spent 6 months recovering at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH). Buddy went home with Warrant Officer Weise, where he is happily living out his retirement.
The special medal for bravery is an honour that is bestowed on dogs and horses that serve in the South African Police Service. Buddy made history for Border Collies in the force, becoming the first of his breed to receive the honour and medal.
HOT 102.7FM also honoured the brave collie with a box full of delicious treats and a new jersey boasting his favourite station’s logo.
You can watch Buddy’s inspiring day below.
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