06-05-2025
Stolen dog 'Uber' is found safe in Mamelodi
The six-year-old sable German Shepherd dog Uber was stolen along with his owner's Mazda double-cab bakkie from a parking lot in Monument Park Spar, Pretoria, on Sunday. Uber has been found safe and is reunited with his family.
The recovery occurred in Mamelodi during the afternoon of May 6, following an outpouring of support and coordinated search efforts by the community and the Soshanguve Animal Shelter.
Candice Palmer Beukes said one resident saw Uber in Mamelodi and called the dog's owner, John van Castricum.
'This gentleman called the owner of the dog, and the Soshanguve Animal Shelter was called. We gave the shelter all details about Uber, and they managed to help us locate Uber, with the help of the man who initially saw him,' said Beukes.
She said even though the bakkie was not recovered, Uber didn't sustain any visible injuries. Uber got his unique name because, as part of the breeder's naming convention, all puppies in his litter were given names starting with the letter 'U.'
Beukes added, 'From what we can tell, there's nothing wrong with the dog, but it will be taken to the vet on May 7 to be checked properly.'
Beukes said she wasn't sure if the resident who saw Uber was aware of the R10 000 reward put up by the then distraught 83-year-old Van Castricum, but will receive a token of appreciation. Others who helped would also be rewarded, according to Beukes.
'Uber is so excited to be reunited with its owner. He started to get excited and wanted to jump out of the bakkie on his way to reunite with his owner.'
She said Uber's owner, Van Castricum, is 'super grateful' for all the people involved in the recovery process.
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