An Eastern Cape K9 Unit team leader was honoured by the president of Türkiye for her and the squad’s incredible rescue efforts after the earthquake that shook the world. They saved an 80-year-old woman’s life after she was trapped under rubble for days!
Eastern Cape, South Africa (28 April, 2023) — After the earthquake in Türkiye happened, heroes from across the world rallied together to help the impacted nation, including an incredibly special Eastern Cape-based K9 Unit and their brave leader.
Now, Brigadier Vimla Moodley and her squad have been honoured by the president of Türkiye for their efforts, including an operation that saw them rescue an 80-year-old woman trapped under rubble after a building crashed.
Earlier this year, SAPS commended the efforts of Moodley as well as numerous other heroes based around South Africa, calling the team ‘the epitome of pockets of excellence that exist in the organisation.’
As for their global moment of honour, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared the country’s appreciation at the Ceremony of Presidential Medal and Order of Distinguished Humanitarian Service Türkiye, held in Ankara this week. SAPs and South Africans couldn’t be more proud.
Moodley was awarded the Medal of Supreme Sacrifice on behalf of the fearless team as well as the 5 superhero sniffer dogs who helped search for trapped and missing people.
Meet the Team:
The SAPS K9 Unit that led the Türkiye-Syria earthquake rescue saw Moodley lead Warrant Officer Keagan Naidoo, Warrant Officer Martin Bann, Warrant Officer Len Willemse, Warrant Officer Tinalia Gouws and Sergeant Jennifer Seleka.
Moodley shared that the mission was nothing the team had ever experienced before. Of the ceremony, she said:
“It was emotional, but at the same time, you are proud.”
Meanwhile, Gift of the Givers also put on their capes to assist survivors, offering relief for people through medical supplies, equipment, consumables, food and temporary shelters.
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