K9 Bonzo – Port Alfred, South Africa

Died 2/7/20
Handler – Warrant Officer Tertius Neethling

Port Alfred police mourn the loss of “one of their own”

Despite being kicked and attacked by his suspects, he always managed a successful arrest. That’s how Port Alfred police remembered their K9 colleague, Bonzo, who faithfully served the South African police service for six years. The 11-year-old Rottweiler was donated to the SAPS by a local resident and was officially retired from service on 4 February 2020 due to illness. During his career Bonzo, with his handler, Warrant Officer Tertius Neethling, was credited with apprehending 49 suspects, and “due to his actions stolen property to the value of R1 025 900-00 was recovered.” “He also apprehended two abalone poachers who were hiding high up in the dunes and recovered abalone to the value of R51 600 and diving gear valued at approximately R40 000.” Bonzo had unfortunately developed pancreatic cancer and was euthanised on Friday.”Farewell brave colleague. You were a warrior and loyal to the SAPS,” said Port Alfred Cluster Commander Brigadier Morgan Govender.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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