SAPS K9 Floppy Missing After Suspects Open Fire During Mdantsane School Robbery Investigation in Eastern Cape
South African Police Service (SAPS) patrol dog B8088 Floppy remains missing after a police operation linked to an armed robbery at a school in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, on Friday. Three armed suspects are also on the run after allegedly robbing a school, stealing electronic devices, and fleeing into dense bush, where gunshots were later heard during a police pursuit.
Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating both the missing K9 officer and the suspects. Authorities have warned that the suspects should be considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public.
What Happened During the Mdantsane School Robbery
According to SAPS, three armed men allegedly entered Nzuzo Primary School in NU16 Mdantsane on Friday morning and robbed the school at gunpoint.
Police said the suspects stole 20 laptops and 15 cellphones before taking the headmaster’s black Peugeot vehicle and fleeing the scene.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the Mdantsane Flying Squad, which launched a search operation shortly after receiving reports of the robbery.
Investigators later recovered the stolen vehicle approximately one kilometre from the school. Officers reportedly spotted suspects running into dense vegetation near a dam in the area.
The discovery of the vehicle led police to believe the suspects had abandoned it and attempted to escape on foot.
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How SAPS K9 Floppy Went Missing During the Police Operation
The SAPS K9 Unit was called to assist with tracking the suspects.
According to police, Sergeant Don and patrol dog B8088 Floppy joined the operation and followed the suspects into thick bush.
Authorities stated that the dog and handler managed to corner the suspects in dense vegetation. As the suspects continued moving deeper into the bush, the handler released Floppy in an attempt to apprehend them.
Moments later, the handler reportedly heard one of the suspects shouting from inside the bush, followed by the sound of gunshots.
Additional SAPS members arrived at the scene to assist with the operation. However, when officers entered the area, they were unable to locate Floppy. The three suspects had also disappeared.
Police have not confirmed what happened to the dog, and Floppy’s whereabouts remain unknown.
The disappearance of the K9 officer has raised serious concern among police officials involved in the operation.
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Search Efforts Continue for Missing SAPS Patrol Dog
A large-scale search operation was launched following the incident.
Police air and ground teams searched the area throughout the day. Members of the public also assisted by providing drone support to help search the difficult terrain.
Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Floppy or the suspects was found before nightfall.
The search operation was suspended at approximately 17:30 because of poor visibility and safety concerns associated with searching dense bush after dark.
Authorities confirmed that search teams would return to the area at first light to continue looking for the missing patrol dog and the suspects.
Floppy was wearing an official SAPS-issued harness at the time of the incident.
Police have urged residents in and around Mdantsane to remain alert and report any sightings immediately.
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Police Appeal for Information on Floppy and the Suspects
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata expressed concern about the disappearance of the patrol dog.
“We are deeply concerned for the safety of our K9, Floppy, who was bravely performing his duty. We urge anyone who may have seen Floppy, or who has any information on the whereabouts of the three suspects now at large, to come forward immediately,” said Ncata.
Police have emphasised that the suspects remain at large and are believed to be armed.
Members of the public are advised not to approach anyone they suspect may be involved in the incident. Instead, they should contact authorities immediately.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Floppy or the three suspects is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The investigation into the school robbery and the disappearance of the SAPS patrol dog is ongoing. Further updates are expected as search operations resume and investigators continue their efforts to locate those responsible.
Readers can follow our coverage for the latest developments as police continue the search for Floppy and the armed suspects.
