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Photo Credit: Tam Olckers

Tam Olckers created a simple drawing to honour Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara and SAPS K9 Leah, both of whom gave their lives in the service of others.

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (19 April 2022) – The recent flooding in parts of the KwaZulu-Natal has united South Africans again. Heroes have emerged, and people are deeply thankful for the efforts made by various search and rescue teams from across South Africa.

Hundreds of people came to the aid of Durbanites, and Pietermaritzburg’s very own search and rescue police officer, 42-year-old Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara, was quick to answer the call. She was the only female member of the team from the area and well-loved in her Midlands community.

Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara, affectionately known as Busi, took part in a search and rescue of the Henley Dam. She was teamed up with Police dog Leah from the Durban SAPS K9. The pair were in search of three drowning victims from the flooding.

Their search and rescue efforts took place on Sunday. Sadly, Sergeant Busi found herself in some difficulty and drowned while in the line of duty. It is reported that police dog Leah attempted to assist and also drowned. Sergeant Busi was airlifted to the hospital but sadly didn’t survive the trip.

Search, and rescuers were devastated to hear the news and soon, social media was flooded with messages of condolences and loss.

“On behalf of the SAPS, let me take this opportunity to thank the deceased members for their service to the nation. These members died heroines, putting their country first. My heartfelt condolences goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of the two members,  K9 Leah and those members who have lost their loved ones.” – National Commissioner of the SAPS General Fannie Masemola

Artist Tam Olckers, 48-years-old, expressed her loss for the pair in a beautiful comic. She paid tribute to Busi and Leah, and her post has since gone viral locally. Hundreds of South Africans are thanking her for the artwork and sharing how it has moved them.

Tam uses drawing and doodling to express her emotions when words fail. She wanted to be a cartoonist when she was younger. She is a firm believer in maintaining good mental health and wellness. Using art to manage that is part of her process and one she encourages others to take up too.

Tam works for Newzroom Africa and was on duty this weekend when reports started coming in regarding the loss of Busi and Leah. She is blown away that people are finding comfort in her drawing. She hopes it finds its way to Busi’s family and Leah’s handler too, bringing them comfort during this time.

Being an animal lover, Tam often creates cartoons for her friends when they lose their pets. Take a look at the cartoon she made below.

Photo Credit: Tam Olckers

Sources: Tam Olckers / News24
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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