How a Security Guard’s Mission Saved a Dassie in Brakpan

Photo Credit: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

One man’s six-week mission to rescue a ‘tiny potato-shaped Houdini’ will warm your heart.

Brakpan, South Africa (04 August 2025) – Every so often, a story emerges that reminds us what compassion, patience and a little ingenuity can do. This is one of those stories, and it all began with a call from Laerskool Kommando in Brakpan, where a Rock Hyrax (known locally as a dassie) had made itself very comfortable under a container classroom.

The curious, and slightly chaotic, school visitor had most likely hitched a ride from elsewhere, as these stowaway specialists are known to do. But while the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) and wildlife expert Shawn Hefer coordinated the broader rescue effort, one man quietly became the heart of the mission.

Enter: Nkosinathi Mamba.

A security guard by trade, Mamba didn’t just step up; he stayed in. Every day for weeks, he messaged Hefer with updates, watched the dassie’s every move, and studied its behaviours like a man on a heartfelt mission.

“He messaged Shawn daily, absorbing every bit of ‘Dassie intel’ he could gather,” SAWRC shared in their post. “His curiosity turned into obsession (the healthy, hyrax-saving kind).”

Without being asked, Mamba began transforming the area around the classroom. He moved bricks and rocks to gently guide the dassie toward the trap. When one strategy failed, he tried another. Each day, he fine-tuned his methods. The dassie may have been elusive, but Mamba was determined.

And then, at long last, the message came through: “I’ve got him. He’s safe. Come fetch.”

Six weeks. One dassie. Endless patience. And one man’s quiet determination to see it through.

Not just a hero, but a student of the wild.

The story doesn’t end with the rescue. Mamba’s incredible dedication moved people who followed the story online, including a couple who’d been following the SAWRC’s work. Inspired by his selfless efforts, they generously offered to sponsor Mamba’s attendance at a professional Snake Awareness, First Aid for Snakebite and Venomous Snake Handling course through the African Snakebite Institute.

A heartfelt post from Mamba later appeared in the SAWRC comment section.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotion as I express my deepest gratitude for the incredible story you wrote about my adventure rescuing a dassie… Your storytelling skill is truly a gift! Thank you so much Mr Shawn. I can say you taught me well with all the instructions you gave me.”

Being seen as a hero, not only by those he helped but by strangers on the internet, meant everything to him.

“Your appreciation and encouragement mean everything. Thank you both for celebrating this moment and for being part of a community that values compassion and kindness.”

The wildlife world needs more Mambas.

As the SAWRC so beautifully put it, Mamba now holds an honorary degree in “Rock Hyraxology”, and should they ever write a field guide to dassie habits, his name would be on the cover.

To the quiet helpers, the determined doers, and the kind souls like Mamba, your efforts don’t go unnoticed. People like you make this world a lekker place to live in. Thank you.