Relief as Celeste van Aswegen and Shadow are Found Safe!
Pretoria, South Africa – A wave of relief has washed over Pretoria and beyond as Celeste van Aswegen and her beloved dog, Shadow, have been found safe. Their reappearance brings an end to a harrowing five-day search that gripped the community.
Celeste was reported missing on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after last being spotted near the bustling Menlyn Shopping Centre on Atterbury Road. She was driving a grey Volkswagen Amarok, and concern quickly mounted when she and Shadow vanished without a trace. The disappearance sparked a massive coordinated search effort involving Celeste's family, friends, the concerned public, and the expertise of private investigator Mike Bolhuis.
The good news broke on Wednesday evening. It's believed Celeste was located at a lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. The precise circumstances of her disappearance and her time away remain undisclosed, but the most important thing is that she and Shadow are safe and sound. Family members have confirmed their well-being, expressing immense gratitude to everyone involved in the search.
Further details surrounding their whereabouts during the period they were missing are yet to be released to the public. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance is likely underway.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of providing thorough information when reporting a missing person. Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network shared a crucial checklist of details that can significantly aid search teams and authorities. Visser emphasizes that accurate and comprehensive information is paramount in these critical situations.
What to Include in a Missing Person Report: A Vital Checklist
- Location and Identification: Start by clearly stating the location where the person was last seen, their full name, and their age.
- Physical Description: Provide a detailed physical description, including height, weight, hair colour, and eye colour.
- Clothing: Describe the clothing they were last seen wearing as accurately as possible.
- Time and Place: Note the exact time and place they were last seen.
- Case Number: Indicate whether a missing person case number has been opened.
- Technology: State whether their cellphone is on or off and whether there is any tracking device in their vehicle.
- Medical Conditions: If the missing person has a known medical condition, this must be clearly stated.
- Circumstances: Provide a short summary of the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, including their destination, who they were with, or any unusual behavior prior to going missing.
Sharing complete and accurate information helps law enforcement and search teams to act swiftly and efficiently. In times of crisis, every detail counts.
The safe return of Celeste and Shadow is a testament to the power of community and the dedication of those who tirelessly worked to bring them home. The outpouring of support and assistance highlights the strength and compassion within the Pretoria community and beyond.
While the details of their disappearance remain unclear, the focus now shifts to ensuring Celeste and Shadow receive the support and care they need after this ordeal. The community continues to celebrate their safe return and offers them their unwavering support.
NewsRpt.com will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.