OFM News spoke to the concerned owners of the Welkom-based exporting business where these birds were quarantined for 21 days before they were loaded onto the truck, destined for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via OR Tambo International Airport. Piet and Tiekie Venter from Riebeeckstad in Welkom say the truck was loaded with birds including, 124 African Grey Birds, 7 Blue-Fronted Amazon Birds, and 1 Medium Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Bird. The driver reports he was hijacked along the N1 and was left in the middle of Soweto by the hijackers who then made off with the truck full of birds.

Tiekie Venter says they are concerned for the well-being of the birds because only 12 of the African Grey Birds are fully grown, the rest need special care and to be fed. The couple requests anyone with information to call them on 084 625 2500 or contact Herman van Rooyen via 082 567 8251

OFM News