In a bold display of precision, teamwork, and readiness, South African Police Service (SAPS) units converged at 35 Squadron, Cape Town, for a high-intensity aerial search and rescue exercise that pushed both personnel and equipment to the limit.
By Jarryd Sinovich
Elite members of the Water Policing and Diving Services, K9 Search and Rescue, and SAPS Air Wing came together for this joint training operation, designed to simulate the extreme conditions of real-life emergencies. At its core: the mandatory helicopter hoist certification — a mission-critical qualification for SAPS pilots and crews.
Hoist and winch operations were drilled with surgical accuracy, while SAR divers and K9 handlers rehearsed high-risk aerial insertions and extractions. Every manoeuvre reflected the razor-sharp coordination required when seconds count and lives hang in the balance.
Far more than a box-ticking exercise, this operation served as a dynamic rehearsal of the real-world missions SAPS faces across South Africa’s most treacherous terrains — from flood rescues to missing person searches.
“This kind of integrated training is non-negotiable,” said a SAPS official. “It ensures that when the call comes, our teams respond not only with courage — but with absolute competence.” The exercise reaffirmed SAPS’ unyielding commitment to excellence, readiness, and public service — and stood as a powerful reminder of the bravery it takes to save lives from the sky.
