Crime spree claims the lives of beloved pets

"We were really in quite a state," explained Marlize. "Our dogs were part of our family. Our Husky was with us for seven and a half years. We are so thankful that nothing further was stolen or any of us harmed physically. But why kill our dogs? They were no threat to anyone."

September 15, 2019

Vryheid Herald 3 minutes read

Six month old Boerboel puppy, Milo was poisoned during the robbery.

The Harmse family awoke to absolute devastation on Sunday morning, after a crime spree which left their beloved pets dead.

Family members are in shock at finding Milo and Sky dead, presumably by the same perpetrators who invaded the home and made off with a vehicle.

To the Harmse family, Milo and Sky were more family than simply pets.

Sky was the Harmse family’s Siberian ‘firefox’ Husky and was a part of their family for nearly eight years.

The previous evening, the family returned home at approximately 6.30pm and went about locking up in preparation for a good night’s rest, making sure their dogs had food and fresh water. Little did they know the harrowing events which would transpire while they slept.

Marlize Harmse explained waking up that morning: “On Sunday, our youngest daughter tried to wake us up and we were fast asleep. I’m a very light sleeper, and I wake up frequently during the night, but on Sunday it was a different story – we couldn’t wake up.

“After fighting and forcing myself to get up, I thought I was maybe just burnt out. I did my daily chores and when I wanted to unlock my back door, the key was missing from its usual place.”

The family began a search for the keys and realised the keys to their vehicle were also nowhere to be found. As they ventured out into the yard, they made two frightening discoveries: the vehicle was no longer here they had parked it and hysterical screams from their youngest daughter revealed one of their beloved dogs was laying lifeless in the garden.

“That was when we first realised we had become victims of yet another crime in South Africa,” explained an emotional Marlize. “I called Louis Breytenbach at AfriForum and my brother for assistance. My husband located his vehicle via his tracking app. After minutes, our house was swamped by AfriForum members, SAPS and LCRC members. My Husky was laying next to our house. He had been poisoned. In a matter of 20 minutes, my brother located our Boerboel, who was also dead due to poisoning. He was only six months old,” she added tearfully.

After swift action from the teams assisting the Harmse family, their vehicle was recovered 20 kilometres from Oshoek Border Post [about 255km away]. It had only been four hours since they had reported the matter. By that time however, the vehicle was stripped of all panels in what is believed to have been an attempt by the thieves to locate any tracking units.Back at the house, Marlize explained there were no signs of forced entry.

“My husband’s wallet was left next to where the vehicle stood. The intruders appear to have gained access from my back door and only took the bakkie’s keys, and then burned a substance we are still awaiting results of.”

The Harmse family extended its gratitude for the sensitivity shown to them by authorities.

“We were really in quite a state,” explained Marlize. “Our dogs were part of our family. Our Husky was with us for seven and a half years. We are so thankful that nothing further was stolen or any of us harmed physically. But why kill our dogs? They were no threat to anyone.”

The family thanked AfriForum, Vryheid SAPS, LCRC, our neighbours, and friends and family for all their help, as well as Tia at the private hospital for her assistance in treating them for the aftereffects of the noxious substance used to subdue the family.

“We have had a portion of our lives ripped away in just a few hours,” concluded Marlize. “I wish they could ban Two Step. Our dogs can never be replaced. They were harmless.
“Rest in peace, Sky and Milo.”