Reunite woman with her stolen parrots
The thief targeted the woman after she was involved in a minor accident.
A Brakpan woman is devastated after her car was stolen with her African grey parrots inside on Madeley Street, Boksburg, on April 21.
Christelle Barnard (50), who works for a panel beater in Ellisras, said she was on her way from Brakpan to Ellisras at about 13:00 that day when she had to take a detour due to the sinkhole on Rondebult Road. The GPS directed her to take Madeley Road.
While on Madeley Road, she drove into a stationary vehicle with her Volkswagen Caddy. According to Barnard, the brake lights of the Renault she hit were not on.
“I pulled over to find out if anybody was hurt. Luckily, nobody was injured,” she said.
The car thief struck while they waited for the police and for photos of the damage to be taken.
“A tall, skinny man pushed me when I wanted to climb back in my car. He then grabbed the car keys out of my hand and drove off towards the East Rand Mall. I do not know where he came from,” said Barnard, still emotional about the incident.
Barnard said the caged parrots in the car, Olaf and Candy, are rescue birds.
“They are like my children. I take them everywhere. They even go to work with me and sleep in front of my bed,” she added.
“My car is something I can replace, but I cannot buy another Olaf and Candy. I truly hope I find them. I posted their picture on social media so people can contact me if they see them,” she said.
Olaf has been with Barnard for three years and Candy for three months.
Barnard said she reported the matter to the police.
Her stolen vehicle is a white Volkswagen Caddy with the registration number 1 STER L.
The Boksburg Advertiser awaits comment from the police.
Anyone with information about the parrots or vehicle may call Barnard on 083 542 5187.
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