Heart of the Beast Puts K9 Bonds on Screen

Photo Credit: K9 Law Enforcement

Brad Pitt and his four-legged co-star are heading to the big screen in Heart of the Beast. Ahead of the film’s release, we’re celebrating some of South Africa’s own working K9 heroes. Meet K9 Law Enforcement’s JoJo and his partners, Buck and Bliss!

Johannesburg, South Africa (14 September 2026) – If you’re an animal lover, we’ve got a good reason for you to head to the movies this month. A new film – Heart of the Beast – starring Brad Pitt hits cinemas nationwide on Heritage Day!

The movie follows the story of special forces officer James Belmont and his military dog, Odin. The pair find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. Together, they are forced into a fight for survival against the elements.

It’s a powerful story about Pitt’s relationship with his incredible working dog and loyal companion, who is courageous, brave and clearly carries so much love for his human. The film shines a light on the unbreakable bond between a man and his best friend as they face their greatest battle yet.

It’s action-packed, but it will also have you in snot en trane, so pack your tissues.

Ahead of its anticipated release on Heritage Day, we’d like to highlight some of South Africa’s own K9 heroes and their handlers.

Across the country, there are hundreds of K9 units working together to protect and save lives and make South Africa a safer place. Our four-footed heroes and their handlers work together to make a difference. In the process, they become each other’s family.

Johannes Mngomezulu and his K9 partners, Buck and Bliss, are among them.

‘JoJo’ – as his colleagues at K9 Law Enforcement affectionately call him – has worked with the organisation for 15 years alongside his K9s, specialising in explosives and narcotics detection.

Today, JoJo is one of only three K9 Unit Managers at OR Tambo International Airport and its associated cargo facilities. He oversees a total of 16 K9 handlers and their service dogs.

JoJo and his partners, Buck and Bliss, are called on by authorities during emergencies, including bomb threats, suspicious packages and suspected movement of contraband. JoJo also trains the next generation of specialist operational K9s and handlers who go on to fulfil both local and international duties.

He is highly respected within the service dog industry. It all started with a love for dogs and their incredible ability to do what humans can’t.

“What drew me to working with dogs was their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to do things that humans simply cannot do in the same way.” JoJo tells us. “I started 15 years ago as an entry-level handler and over the years, I have developed a real passion for understanding dogs and bringing out their abilities. What has kept me passionate is knowing that the work I do can make a real difference.” he says. “The bond you build with your K9 makes the job very rewarding.”

JoJo became the very first Vapor Wake handler on the continent after travelling to the United States to complete the specialist course in 2017. JoJo, Buck and Bliss achieved the highest score in their class. They were the first unit to bring those specialised skills back to Africa.

Vapor Wake canines are trained to track concealed explosives and weapons on moving people in crowded environments. In South Africa today, they are deployed within the aviation sector and at large-scale events like sports matches, concerts and festivals.

“Instead of only searching a stationary object, Vapor Wake canines can detect the scent of explosive materials associated with people as they move through an environment. What makes it special is the dog’s ability to work in a busy public environment while processing huge amounts of information through its sense of smell.” Jojo tells us.

One of JoJo’s most memorable moments with Buck occurred during an operation at the airport. While conducting a routine screening, Buck successfully detected a cartridge concealed inside a passenger’s luggage. Buck’s exceptional performance during the operation was also recognised and contributed to JoJo being awarded the ‘Explosives Detection Dog Team of the Year’ trophy.

Behind moments like this one are countless hours of training, an extraordinary bond between handler and dog, and complete trust in one another.

“You have to trust your canine completely. That trust comes from proper training and experience.” says JoJo. “Buck and Bliss have taught me that trust is built over thousands of hours. You learn to trust their ability, their nose, and their behaviour.  While they learn to trust you to guide and protect them.”

Mr Gideon Treurnich, National Trainer at K9 Law Enforcement, tells us that each working dog at K9 Law Enforcement undergoes extensive training alongside handlers who are also trained to meet the required standards. Much of the work done at the facility prepares K9 units for the operational world in a controlled environment where they can learn and connect.

Training is done systematically across many levels. Once K9 units pass their official assessments, they are allowed to enter the real world, where they are supervised by experienced handlers like JoJo until they are ready to work independently in a space they know.

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and an unimaginable amount of work and care goes into making sure each K9 and handler is confident and readily equipped for the job.

Outside of their duties, though, JoJo says K9 partners are doggies that love doing doggie things!

“When they’re off, they are completely different characters. People often see working canines and think they are serious and intense all the time.  But they also have individual personalities. They enjoy relaxing, playing, and spending time with their handler. Each dog has its own quirky habits and ways of getting your attention. That is one of the things that makes working with them so enjoyable. You get to know the dogs behind the uniform.” he says.

The team at K9 Law Enforcement prides itself on the welfare of its dogs.

“We want our dogs to know what it’s like to be a part of a family. We give them good nutrition. We give them good welfare. We allow them the time to be dogs, to play with each other, to roll in the mud, to dig holes, and do what dogs love to do best.”

They become like family.