Pit bull savages drug buster

2009-01-12 13:27

Verashni Pillay

Cape Town - A member of the City of Cape Town's specialised "Drug Buster" unit was recovering on Monday after he was savaged by a drug dealer's pit bull terrier during a midnight raid in Muizenberg.

The 39-year-old man was initially rushed to hospital after the dog bit him on his hands, upper body and left leg.

"His injuries are fortunately not so bad," chairperson of the City's Substance Abuse Task Team, Glen Kleinsmith, told News24.

The City of Cape Town's Chief of Specialised Services, Rudolf Wiltshire, said that members of the unit often face brutal attacks when entering drug dens. Drug dealers trying to evade arrest unleash aggressive dogs, urged to attack.

"As a result of this attack, the owner of the house will face a charge of attempted murder and the City has asked the SPCA to confiscate the dogs," said Wiltshire.

Drugs seized

Tik, mandrax and dagga with a street value of R23 000 were seized during the bust at Vrygrond late on Thursday.

Eighteen suspects were arrested and are to appear in court soon.

The raid is the latest in a partnership between the City of Cape Town's Substance Abuse Task Team and the police.

Kleinsmith said the growing synergy and teamwork between the Drug Busters and the police was encouraging.

"We are going to increase the pressure and will soon launch "Operation Cobra", an all-out offensive against drug dens and shebeens," he said, adding that more staff were being appointed and a possible dog unit set up to locate hidden drugs.

"The days of just talking about combating drug and alcohol abuse are over," he said.

The injured member's name could not be released to protect him for future raids.

- News24