K9 Mufasa – Gqeberha, South Africa

Died 11/6/23
1st Handler – Sergeant Thembile Gaba
2nd Handler – Warrant Officer Damian Theron

Officers mourn loss of K9 Mufasa

Gqeberha police are mourning the loss of long-serving K9 officer, Mufasa, who was laid to rest on Tuesday.The SA Police Service said the courageous, nine-year-old Rottweiler passed away on Monday at the veterinary hospital in Walmer due to aggressive cancer.He has been fighting crime alongside his human buddy, Warrant Officer Damian Theron for an incredible six years, demonstrating remarkable bravery and a heart filled with love.Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says Mufasa graduated from the Roodeplaat K9 Academy with his first trainer, Sergeant Thembile Gaba in 2016.She says when Sergeant Gaba was shot and injured, Mufasa teamed up with Theron.Theron described his four-legged partner as a true hero with an unwavering dedication to the SAPS.”He patrolled our streets, alongside me and tackled the most challenging tasks with an enthusiasm that was truly extraordinary. Through long nights and challenging situations, his short, stumped wagging tail and steadfast commitment never wavered.”His journey was not without hardships, as cancer struck, a battle he faced with the same determination he showed in every other aspect of his service.”He worked tirelessly until his last day, giving his all for the safety and well-being of our community,” said Theron.Mufasa, who was still on active duty in September, played a key role in the apprehension of several cable thieves.

Tags

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.
| Old Memorials | Site Map
Copyright © 1973 - 2024 Louise Krause Memorials to Fallen K-9's Hosted By PC-GEEK Site Maintained BY Jim Cortina