Officer Sape

Sergeant Mabule Patrick Sape is a South African Police Service officer attached to the Silverton K9 unit, where he works with a narcotic dog alongside Sergeant Phakula. On 9 July 2021, while officially on duty, he requested and received permission from his commander to assist at a scene. His testimony and that of colleagues placed him at the centre of questions about police movements that day, with Lieutenant Colonel Sebola describing a version of events in which officers turned back upon encountering a large police presence. Sape and Phakula were reportedly called from Pretoria to the scene, and Sape stated they were prevented from leaving until photographs of their vehicle were taken.