Missing in Pretoria: The Urgent Search for Celeste van Aswegen and Her Dog, Shadow

She vanished after visiting her ex-husband, now the community is rallying to find her

The disappearance of Celeste van Aswegen, a Pretoria woman last seen on 21 June 2025, has shaken the Garsfontein community and triggered an urgent search effort across Gauteng. Accompanied by her beloved black dog, Shadow, Celeste was reportedly en route to Lanseria after visiting her ex-husband, but she never arrived.

Her last known location was Garsfontein, and she was travelling in a 2014 sea grey VW Amarok double cab bakkie, registration number DD86HXGP. The vehicle, Celeste, and Shadow have not been seen since.

Details of Her Disappearance

According to Renegades Search and Rescue and concerned community groups, Celeste was wearing pale casual pants and a short-sleeved shirt when she vanished. No official sightings or new leads have been confirmed, and the lack of information is intensifying concern.

Police at Garsfontein SAPS have opened a missing persons case, and both law enforcement and volunteer groups are appealing to the public for help.

What You Can Do

If you’ve seen Celeste, her dog Shadow, or her VW Amarok, even as recently as last week, authorities urge you to come forward.

Contact the following numbers with any leads, no matter how small:

• Garsfontein SAPS: 012 472 0144

• Dawn: 074 712 5855

• Hannes: +27 61 847 1982

• Jean: +27 82 212 3925

• Beyes: +27 82 811 2600

Every report matters. A small tip could unlock the mystery and bring Celeste home.

Social Media Mobilisation

In Pretoria and across South Africa, the disappearance has sparked growing concern online. Community WhatsApp groups and Facebook neighbourhood forums are circulating Celeste’s photo and vehicle details in hopes of reaching someone who may have seen her.

Some users have urged toll road operators, fuel station staff, and security patrols to double-check surveillance footage from 21 June onwards.

“Someone must have seen her vehicle or Shadow. They didn’t just vanish,” one user posted in the Pretoria East Watch Facebook group.

A Community Holding On to Hope

Celeste’s sudden disappearance has left her family, friends, and neighbours desperate for answers and for her safe return.

In a time where too many missing persons cases go cold, the strength of community vigilance can make all the difference. If you’re reading this and live in Pretoria, Centurion, Lanseria, or anywhere in Gauteng, please keep your eyes open.

Together, we can help bring Celeste and Shadow home.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com