Riyaad Sampson, a Capetonian train driver, has been honoured for his efforts in saving a dog that was lost on his line, by stopping the train in its tracks.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 March 2024) – Train driver Riyaad Sampson has been honoured by animal welfare organisations and Alderman JP Smith after he stopped his train to save a dog from the tracks. The train was completely full and the heroic moment took place on the Southern Line track, between Steenberg and Lakeside in February.
Once he had spotted the dog, he also sent out an alert to all the other train drivers on duty, informing them to be aware of other potential animals on the tracks. He touched so many hearts thanks to his efforts and has likely saved many more animals lost on the train tracks of Cape Town.
His efforts have been seen by Paws-a-While and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Cape of Good Hope SPCA expressed their thanks with a heartfelt poem – “It’s not just a dog”, by Richard Biby, which was said to sum up all the feelings towards Mr Sampsons act.
“It’s not ‘just a dog’ but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.”
Jamie Pieterse, part of the local neighbourhood watch, searched for the dog and later educated the dog’s owner on how to keep the dog safely on their property. He, too, was honoured for his efforts in this rescue.
Paws-a-While patron, Alderman JP Smith, handed over a certificate of kindness and compassion to Mr Sampson, co-signed by Cape Animal Welfare Forum chair Tony Gerrans, with Mr Sampson’s wife, mother-in-law and furchild, Layla, in attendance.
“It was a heartwarming morning, bringing hope, positivity and a renewed faith in humanity that the many animal welfare workers who also attended, so desperately need.” – Paws-a-While
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