Today, we introduce the nation to 34-year-old Constable Cobus van Wyk, who is attached to the Welkom K9 Unit in the Free State province.
With over a decade of service in the South African Police Service (SAPS), van Wyk’s journey is one of an unwavering commitment to community safety.
Born and raised with a strong sense of duty, van Wyk’s path to law enforcement took a decisive turn following a traumatic experience in 2011. While working on a mine in Allanridge and studying towards a legal qualification, he and his girlfriend (now wife) were violently attacked and robbed in Welkom. He sustained multiple stab wounds and a broken jaw.
The suspects fled with nothing more than a R20 note. “That experience changed my path,” he says. “I wanted to stand on the front lines and be part of the solution.”
In 2015, he joined SAPS, trained at Graaff-Reinet SAPS Academy, and completed his fieldwork at Ventersburg SAPS, where he developed a deep understanding of all core police duties. He was later stationed at the Maseru Bridge Border Post, gaining expertise in border control, vehicle inspections and document verification. His ability to read environments and people with precision was forged in this challenging setting.
Fulfilling a childhood dream, van Wyk joined the Welkom K9 Unit in 2018. Inspired by K9 Unit visits to his primary school, he became a certified patrol dog handler in 2024 and was partnered with Kelly, a 42kg Rottweiler whose commanding presence alone helped prevent resistance at crime scenes. Her untimely passing due to medical complications remains a deep personal loss. “She wasn’t just my partner — she was family,” he reflects.
Today, van Wyk plays a crucial role in high-risk crime prevention, counter-narcotics operations, and intelligence-led policing. He’s also preparing to take over responsibilities as kennel official, overseeing the care and training of all K9s in his unit.
In 2023, van Wyk broadened his service by joining the Free State SAPS Learner Diver Program. Under the mentorship of Warrant Officer Morne Koch, he participates in underwater search and rescue missions, evidence recovery and anti-poaching patrols in major dams, including Vaal and Bloemhof.
Off-duty, he’s a community coach, a tech enthusiast, and a lifelong learner. For van Wyk, service is not a job — it’s a calling. “Each shift is a chance to make a difference,” he says. “And I never take that for granted