NATIONAL NEWS - Mjwara (42) a police diver, and her service dog, K9 Leah, were members of the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue team which had been searching the Msunduzi River for signs of three people who had been swept away by the flood waters. Among those missing, was an eight-year-old child.
At around 11:30 on Saturday, April 16, during the search at Henley Dam, near Inanda, Mjwara reportedly got into difficulties and started to be swept away by the current. Brave Leah, who was based at the Durban Central Search and Rescue unit, jumped in to try and rescue her.
Their search and rescue colleagues managed to get to them, but despite attempts at resuscitation, both Mjwara and Leah died.
General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, confirmed the deaths, and that of 31-year-old Constable Thandazile Sithole, of the Durban Central Police Station, who died when her home collapsed on her earlier this week. At least 30 police officers have been affected by the floods, with some injured and the majority displaced after their homes were washed away.
“On behalf of the Saps, let me take this opportunity to thank the deceased members for their service to the nation,” Masemola said.
General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, confirmed the deaths, and that of 31-year-old Constable Thandazile Sithole, of the Durban Central Police Station, who died when her home collapsed on her earlier this week. At least 30 police officers have been affected by the floods, with some injured and the majority displaced after their homes were washed away.
“On behalf of the Saps, let me take this opportunity to thank the deceased members for their service to the nation,” Masemola said.
“These members died heroines, putting their country first. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the two members, K9 Leah and those members who have lost their loved ones [and a] speedy recovery to those who have been injured as well as those who have lost their homes and belongings.
“As management, we will be looking into the immediate needs of all affected and see how best we can remedy the situation. “I also wish to thank members of the Saps for upholding and enforcing the law during these challenging times, as well as pay gratitude to those who remain at the forefront of the search and rescue operations.”
Tributes were also paid by members of other emergency services, who have been working flat out since the floods hit KZN on Tuesday last week.
Mi7 National Group extended its condolences to Mjwara and Leah, saying: “They lost their lives in service of humanity today, sacrificing their own to save so many others during rescue attempts following the devastating floods in Durban. “This is a tremendous loss to the security cluster in KwaZulu-Natal. May they rest in peace.”
Members of START Rescue extended their condolences to the family and friends of Mjwara and to K9 Leah. “Today an angel earned her wings. A K9 has reached the rainbow bridge. To your family, friends, partners and colleagues, our thoughts are with you. Our sincere condolences to the family and all who have had the privilege to work alongside the two of you. Rest in peace. Your shift is done,” the rescue group said. Colleagues at the NSRI station in Ballito described Mjwara and Leah as hardworking, and that all those that worked with them would never forget Busi’s smile and positive attitude, even in the hardest times.
The station added: “Leah, the void you leave will be felt by all. Rest well friends. Till we meet again, we have the watch.”
In the meantime, the hardworking KZN search and rescue teams have been given a boost by the news that colleagues from other provinces, including the Western Cape and the Free State, will be joining the operations.
The Saps Airwing, K9 and police diving units as well as front line officers have formed part of government’s coordinated and concerted efforts to strengthen support to affected areas. KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni and Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are due to visit Mjwara’s family in Thornville later today.
