IPID launches independent probe into death of SAPS K9 Sky

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has launched an investigation into the injuries and subsequent death of SAPS service dog Sky, following growing calls for accountability over how the police K9 was treated while in the care of the service.

Cape Argus has seen a letter in which IPID formally confirmed that it would investigate the circumstances surrounding Sky’s suffering, injuries and eventual euthanasia.

The letter was sent in response to correspondence dated September 10 raising concerns about the death of the police dog.

IPID said the investigation would be conducted in accordance with its legislative mandate, including section 28(1)(h) of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act, which allows certain other matters to be referred to the directorate for investigation.

The directorate also confirmed that the National SPCA was conducting a separate investigation.

According to the letter, the NSPCA advised IPID that its probe remained ongoing because of delays in obtaining certain information needed to finalise its findings.

IPID, however, stressed that the NSPCA process would neither affect nor replace its own investigation.

“The National SPCA’s investigation does not affect or replace IPID’s independent statutory investigation,” the letter states.

IPID said it would independently assess all relevant evidence and information, including any material subsequently provided by the NSPCA, and assured that the matter would be investigated “objectively, independently and diligently”.

Sky, a five-year-old Belgian Shepherd and former arson-detection dog, was euthanised on September 9 after sustaining catastrophic injuries while being kept at the SAPS veterinary and training facility at Roodeplaat.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron had called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sky’s injuries and death. He previously opened a criminal case and referred the matter to the NSPCA and South African Veterinary Council.

Information previously raised by Cameron showed that a veterinary certificate dated August 28 recorded that Sky suffered from separation anxiety and severe kennel stress, with her attempts to escape described as persistent and compulsive.

The certificate warned that her prognosis in the SAPS environment was poor and that remaining there could compromise her welfare.

Concerns were also raised about why efforts to temporarily move Sky to a suitable home while decisions about her future were being made were allegedly not escalated.