South Africa’s police service and a non-governmental organisation Gift of the Givers, on Tuesday presented four sniffer dogs to the country’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mphakama Mbete.
The dogs will be used to help in the search for victims of Cyclone Idai.
The teams sent from South Africa consist of four dog handlers from the South African Police Service (SAPS), four rescue technicians and four advance paramedic assistants.
Speaking to journalists in Harare on Tuesday, Ambassador Mbete said:
In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, members of the South African government and Gift of the Givers have come here largely at the request of the government of Zimbabwe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted me and indicated that what they needed currently were sniffer dogs and South Africa has sent a team of people to assist in this regard.
Tropical Cyclone Idai affected the eastern districts of the country more than a week ago, leaving 200 people dead and over 300 missing.
As bodies buried under rubble decompose, sniffer dogs will be useful in the recovery of the deceased.