Eastern Cape K9 unit dog Floppy, with his handler Sergeant Don.

• An Eastern Cape K9 dog has gone missing following an armed robbery at a school.
• Three suspects involved in the robbery remain at large.
• The trio allegedly robbed Nzuzo Primary School and made off with a number of items.

Eastern Cape police are appealing for assistance in locating a missing police dog and tracking down three armed suspects who robbed a primary school before vanishing into dense bush in Mdantsane.

The dramatic incident unfolded on Friday morning, when three armed men stormed Nzuzo Primary School in NU16 and held staff at gunpoint.

According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the suspects made off with 20 laptops, 15 cellphones and the headmaster’s black Peugeot.

A swift response by the Mdantsane Flying Squad led officers to the stolen vehicle, which was recovered a kilometre from the school.

Police spotted the suspects running into thick bush near a dam and immediately launched a pursuit.

READ | K9 cop fights back after stumbling on robbery and using van to block attackers

Gantana said the police’s K9 Unit was called in, with a sergeant and his patrol dog, Floppy, joining the search.

The pair cornered the suspects in dense vegetation, but they fled deeper into the bush.

Gantana said the handler then released Floppy to apprehend the suspects.

“Moments later, while tracking the suspects, the handler heard one of the men shouting from within the bush, followed by the sound of gunshots,” said Gantana.

Additional police officers rushed to the scene, but when they arrived, Floppy was nowhere to be found, and the suspects had escaped.

Gantana said extensive efforts to locate the dog and the suspects continued throughout the day.

“Air and ground search teams, assisted by community members who voluntarily provided drone support, conducted an extensive search of the area. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, neither the suspects nor Floppy could be located before darkness set in,” said Gantana.

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Police have expressed growing concern for Floppy, who was wearing an official SAPS harness when he disappeared.

“We are deeply concerned about Floppy’s safety. He was carrying out his duties with bravery and dedication when he went missing during the operation. We appeal to anyone who may have seen him or who has information about the suspects to contact the police immediately,” Gantana added.

The three suspects remain at large and are believed to be armed and dangerous.

Police have warned residents not to approach them, but to report any sightings immediately.

Investigations into the armed robbery, the suspects’ escape, and the disappearance of the police dog are continuing.