A husky named Skye is back home four days after she fled when her Muizenberg owner and his uncle were attacked and robbed while cycling.
The incident happened on the Redhill Trail near the reservoir in Simon’s Town at about 3pm on Saturday June 15, according to Skye’s owner, who does not want to be named as he fears for his safety.
“It was the first time taking Skye up the mountain. After riding for about 3.6 kilometres from the parking area on the trail, we decided to take a break. Suddenly, three teenage boys and one adult male approached us out of nowhere.”
His uncle had been stabbed in his ribcage and forearm during the attack, and the assailants had stolen both mountain bikes and their cellphones and thrown a rock at Skye, causing her to flee, he said.
“We searched for about 40 minutes trying to find Skye. We hoped she had made her way back to the car, but she wasn’t there,” he said. “After driving to the hospital to get my uncle treated, I went to Ocean View SAPS to report it and was redirected to Simon’s Town SAPS, where I opened a case.”
He returned to collect his uncle around 8pm, then gathered some warm clothes and continued searching for Skye until about 1am.
The community, along with SANParks, had rallied together to help in the search, he said.
Skye was eventually found on Tuesday June 18, at around 11am.
“My uncle drove up as far as he could with the car and searched the area. He was about to leave when something made him get out again. He went up on a rock, called her name, and Skye just appeared 10 metres away from him.”
They took her to the vet, where she was found to be fine except for a knock on her snout from the rock.
“Those four days were absolutely horrible. I didn’t know what to do anymore. I felt helpless and so bad for Skye,“ said the husky’s owner.
Thanking the community for their support, he said: “They came together, gave me support and motivation, saying we would find her and that I must remain positive. If it wasn’t for them, I would not have been able to find her by myself.”
Provincial police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed they were investigating a robbery. No arrests had been made and anyone with information could call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
