Bidvest Protea Coin, a security company, is appealing for help in locating their missing working dog, Shiba. The female German Shepherd got separated from her owner during a hijacking incident that occurred in Philippi East on 25 July.
A reward of R5 000 has been offered to anyone who can provide information leading to her safe return.
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Shiba, who has been with the company for five years and is trained in explosive detection at the airport, is an integral part of the team responsible for ensuring the safety of people and cargo boarding aeroplanes.
According to the Cape Argus, the company’s dog handler, Gerrit Levin, revealed that Shiba and his colleague, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, were originally from Joburg. They were travelling in a Toyota Avanza from their accommodation in Muizenberg to the airport when they fell victim to the hijacking.
During the incident, the security guard was held at gunpoint, and in his fear, he dropped his cell phone and fled the scene, leaving Shiba behind in the vehicle.
Initial sightings of Shiba were reported in Philippi East, where the first tracker of the hijacked vehicle was found, along with Shiba’s belongings. Subsequent sightings placed her with two men crossing over to Cross Roads, and there was a possibility of another sighting near the N2 across DSV. However, none of these leads have resulted in the dog’s safe return.
The Avanza was later found in Marikana at Lower Crossroads, but Shiba was still missing. Both the Philippi and Nyanga police, as well as law enforcement, have been made aware of the situation and are actively following up on any potential leads that might help locate Shiba.
The company is deeply concerned about Shiba’s safety and well-being, and she plays a crucial role in its security operations. They are urging anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to come forward and assist in reuniting Shiba with her owner and the team.
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Picture: We Love Pets SA / Facebook