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Handler – Sgt. Naidu
Police force pays tribute to K9 Terror
After serving eight years in the SAPS, police officers sadly bid farewell to their K9 partner, Terror, who will be remembered for his dedication and powerful skills he used in the fight against crime after he passed away from an illness, last week. Terror, a German Shepard, was acknowledged as a valued member of the SAPS and saluted for his formidable sense of smell when he tracked down suspects in dense bushes and tracking firearms and explosives.Communications officer of the Malvern SAPS, W/O Radhika Marimuthu, said Terror was a member of the Durban South Umlazi K9 Unit and was boarded off in July, last year. “In 2008, Sgt Kershan Naidu was handed the handsome Terror as his K9 partner. With a distinct personality of his own and the tough K9 training, Terror soon honed his skills and became a sharp, powerful partner to Sgt Naidu. Terror notched many a success on his K9 collar and together with Sgt Naidu, they scoured the tracks, tracking many suspects in the dense bushes,” she said. According to Sgt Naidu, Terror pursued suspects relentlessly in bushes, his determination high, never giving up until he apprehended the suspect. In conjunction with the explosive unit, Terror ensured the safety of dignitaries, the president and heads of state. “During bomb scares, Terror would walk the entire area sniffing for explosives, with little thought for the danger that he together with his handler faced. Sgt Naidu, together with Terror, worked the country’s most prestigious events which included the 2010 World Cup. While the country enjoyed these events, Terror together with other units, combed the entire stadium or venues making it safe before the crowds were let in. With the increase in rhino poaching, Terror and Sgt Naidu were deployed to the Kruger National Park to curb the scourge. Terror would sniff each vehicle that entered or departed for explosives and firearms,” added W/O Marimuthu. When Terror was boarded off from the SAPS, he had lost the sight in his right eye and his partner, Sgt Naidu, had to make the sad boarding call. It was with a lot of heartache that Sgt Naidu drove Terror out of the unit and to Sgt Naidu, Terror was not just a K9, but a faithful partner of eight years. Together they climbed mountains, searched ravines, faced torrents, walked the spoor in sweltering heat and crossed muddy paths in the torrential downpours. “It was the brotherhood that defined their bond of love, strength and friendship. The unguaranteed journeys that they took often heaped successes not only for the K9 Unit but also for the nation. Terror was a symbol of why K9s must be respected and applauded,” she said. It was at the end of his tenure in the SAPS that Terror joined the Marimuthu family, who welcomed him with love and care. Terror spent days sheltered from the storm in a loving home that he called his own with this family who loved him unconditionally.“His final days were spent in the family bedroom, basking in the coolness of the aircon. At night, he cuddled up in his cozy bed in the master bedroom. His meals were home cooked and he of course watched all the daytime soapies and major sports,” said W/O Marimuthu. Lt Col Nolundi Sikhulume , commander of the Umlazi K9 Unit, saluted Terror for his dedicated service and commitment in keeping the community safe. She sadly said Terror had brought innumerable successes and accolades to the Umalzi K9 Unit and she was extremely proud of all Terror’s achievements. Station commander of the Malvern SAPS, Lt Col Valarine Reddy, spoke on behalf of the Malvern community and the Malvern SAPS and saluted Terror for keeping the community of Malvern safe. “For the lives he touched and for his immense contribution to fighting crime, Terror has earned a standing ovation in the hallmark of heaven,” concluded Lt Col Reddy.
