Two Dawn Park SAPS police officers, Sergeant Mphela Makola and Constable Robert Lebyane, saved a tortoise that was walking on the busy Morena Street, Windmill Park, on November 28.
According to the Dawn Park SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Nkemeleng Mabula, the officers were patrolling in Windmill Park when they spotted the tortoise.
“They loaded the tortoise in their police van and took it to the SPCA in Boksburg were it is sheltered.”
Makola said they were afraid for the tortoise’s safety.
“My colleague and I would have felt bad if we didn’t do anything and the animal died. We love animals and are relieved that we saved it. My advice to people is that whenever they see a wild animal in their neighbourhood is to call the SPCA or take it the society. They mustn’t kill the animal.”
Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore expressed her gratitude to the men in blue for assisting the tortoise.
“It truly is a breath of fresh air to meet officers who went above and beyond their duties to rescue an animal in need. Well done gentlemen.”
Finnemore said the tortoise will be sent to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Clinic where it will be assessed and rehabilitated.
The manager highlighted it is illegal to keep indigenous tortoises in South Africa without a permit.
“Very often tortoises are not fed the correct diet in captivity and are emaciated when they arrive at JHB Wildlife Vets. Please report tortoises in suburbia.”
Boksburg SPCA may be contacted on 011 916 5906/7.
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