Brigadier Kobus Lategan is one of those heroes who protect and serve all people and all creatures, great and small! He has dedicated over 40 years to serving in South African law enforcement. But for his 60th birthday, the respected man in uniform revealed an even deeper compassion: a profound love for animals!
Randfontein, South Africa (27 June 2025) – Brigadier Kobus Lategan is one of those men who is easily admired for his continued efforts to serve and protect those in danger. But behind the uniform is a man with an even bigger heart for animals.
For over 41 years, Brigadier Kobus Lategan has been a pillar of strength in South African law enforcement, where he started his journey as a young, eager member of the K9 Unit, BCI Security shares.
Through hard work, integrity, and an unshakable passion for justice, he rose through the ranks to become the Brigadier in charge of the National Counterfeit Task Team.
This year, Brigadier Lategan celebrated his 60th birthday, but in true selfless fashion, he asked for no gifts. Instead, he made a heartfelt request: “bags of animal food to help a shelter in need.”
Together with his wife Anna-Retha, who shares his deep love for animals, they’ve adopted two rescue fur-babies and continue to advocate for shelter animals. After reading about the desperate need at SPCA Randfontein and Westonaria, they knew immediately where the food donations should go.
The month of May alone has brought intense challenges for the Randwest SPCA Inspectorate. From rescuing more suffering chickens and sick horses to Qurbani preparations and confronting daily cruelty like chained dogs and abandoned pigs; the emotional and physical toll has been heavy on the team.
With animal hero hands on deck, Brigadier Kobus Lategan’s donations were transported to the animal welfare society and will go a long way in feeding the additional intake of vulnerable animals.
We celebrate this good man for not only sharing the joy of his birthday with animals in need, but also for dedicating his life to serving both his country and its creatures with honour and humility.

Sources: BCI Security | SPCA Randfontein and Westonaria
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