‘They are more than just our partners, they are like our children. We care for them and they protect us.’
These were the words of Lt-Col Botukile Mopedi, the commander of the Potchefstroom dog unit.

This dog unit was the first to be established in the province and is around 83 years old.
This rich tradition and history were showcased at the last two years’ provincial excellence awards when the Potch unit was named as the most visible group in the province. Their commander was placed second in 2015 and first in 2016.
From the moment we arrived, the unit was a hive of activity. Members reported that they had found suspects with drugs. This unit is arguably the most successful one in Potchefstroom.
‘You need to be a special kind of person to become a dog unit member. You must have lots of discipline so you can train your dog and you also need to be caring because you must look after it,’ said Mopedi. Handlers and their dogs share a special bond that is never broken. The handlers wash, feed and groom their own animals. ‘You must take care of your dog because he takes care of you in the field,’ he said.

One of the patrol dogs in training. Photo: Dustin Wetdewich

The kennels seem more like a barracks, with a kennel inside a large caged area.
Dogs and handlers can spend up to 10 years working together and, when the animal is too old to work, the handler has the option of offering it a retirement home. According to Const. Boitumelo Makhapela, the public can also buy these retired dogs but very few of them are available. As he spoke, his dog, Aiken, would not leave his side, periodically jumping up to him.
The dogs and their handlers get extensive training for up to five months, which is when the bonds begin.
‘These dogs are essential to us. We once had a dog that followed a track for 43 km during a stock theft case,’ said Mopedi, smiling.
There are 11 disciplines that the dogs can be trained in Z patrol, tracking, narcotics, sheep, explosives, search and rescue, body fluid, fire investigation, protected species, carcass and hide, and currency detection.
According to Mopedi, the unit needs more dogs to do even more within the community. People can donate border collies, German shepherds, cocker spaniels, Labradors, Belgian shepherds, boxers, bloodhounds and rottweilers between the ages of nine months and three years old who are not cross bred, full of confidence, are not scared of people and are able to walk on a leash. ‘These dogs are tested and, if found to be suitable, they are taken to the SAPS veterinary services to be examined. If they pass all the suitability and medical tests, they are trained and deployed operationally,’ said Mopedi.
This unit is made up of dedicated police officers, dog lovers and caring community members.