A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) inspector has been hailed a hero after bravely rescuing a dog stranded on debris in a canal near Mfuleni’s Covid City informal settlement over the weekend, despite his fear of water.

Inspector Lwazi Ntungele says he didn’t hesitate when he saw the dog, known as Drifter, struggling in distress.

“I have always been afraid of water, but at that moment, all I could think about was that this dog needed me and that need was greater than my fear.”

Drifter suffered from paraphimosis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgery. Without intervention, he would have endured severe pain and likely succumbed to sepsis.

Thanks to the quick rescue and urgent medical treatment, Drifter is now recovering.

Ntungele says the experience has changed his outlook on courage and compassion.

“I’ve learned that courage is not the absence of fear, it’s love that makes you brave. I’m not completely over my fear, but it feels different now.”

Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham praised Ntungele’s bravery, saying his act of kindness embodies the organisation’s mission to protect animals in need.

“We are sincerely grateful for every act of love and kindness that makes our work possible. From the hands that rescue to the hearts that give, every gesture makes a difference.”