Routine trip to buy milk ends in disaster
A report was filed at the Florida Police Station, but there has still been no trace of the car or her beloved dogs.
On Friday, 26 June, what started out as a routine trip to Spar quickly turned into one of the most traumatic ordeals Riekie van Niekerk has ever experienced.
An armed hijacking saw the 58-year-old woman lose her car, and with it, her two beloved pets.
As Riekie was getting ready to go buy milk just before 1pm, her two dachshunds (Lilly and Harry) happily jumped into her car deciding that they would accompany her, as they had done many times before. Knowing it would be a quick trip, Riekie didn’t have a problem with taking her pride and joy with her.
She spent less than five minutes in the store before returning to her car. As she was getting back inside a man appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, carrying a gun. He pulled her out of the driver?s seat and in a flash took her place and sped away, taking Lilly and Harry with him as he went.
Riekie was left in shock and disbelief, saying the trauma of what had just happened and losing her two dogs left her feeling winded. She sat there in utter shock, feeling like she had been kicked in the stomach and had lost the ability to breathe.
A report was filed at the Florida Police Station, but there has still been no trace of the car or her beloved dogs.
“My heart shattered into a million pieces because I have raised Harry and Lilly as my own children for the past four years,” said Riekie, devastated at the loss of her babies.
She said she lied awake at night wondering if they were safe and alive. “Nothing is more important to me than finding my children.”
They have been the most important part of her life since she started caring for them when they were just six weeks old.
Knowing that she could not find her dogs alone, Riekie was overjoyed when her friend, Nicole Loggenberg, offered to help her with the search for the two adorable dogs. With two dogs of her own that she would do anything for, Nicole’s heart broke when she heard that Lilly and Harry were gone.
“Animals do not have voices to speak for themselves, so someone needs to stand up and advocate for them no matter what the situation,”said Nicole, adding that she would do whatever it takes to reunite this family.
Nicole and Riekie have shared posters to numerous Facebook groups and approached every SPCA and vet in Gauteng, but have sadly not heard of one sighting, despite the R10 000 reward that is being offered.
The two women have been left feeling disheartened, knowing that the dogs could be anywhere.
Every day Riekie’s worry consumes her even more. “I feel like someone stole my children,” she said.
“It is increasingly difficult with each passing day knowing that they are out there wondering if I have given up on them.”At this stage, nothing is more important to the animal owner than finding her dogs and waking up to their little faces again. “Material objects can be replaced, but Lilly and Harry cannot. I just want my babies back in my arms.”
The two women have said that they are extremely grateful for all the concern and support they have already received from the community. They ask that anyone who can, assist with finding the dogs. “They are out there somewhere – confused, scared and just waiting to be brought home to their mom.”
Nicole and Riekie are pleading with everyone to keep their eyes open on their daily commutes and to please contact them with any information.
If you have seen Harry and Lilly, or know anything about where they may be, please contact Nicole on 061 294 0707.
