With limited information at hand, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched a manhunt to trace the suspect and ensure justice is served… they also wanted to find the kittie, to ensure that it was okay. Thankfully, the incredible SPCA Officers were able to do both!
Western Cape, South Africa (17 February 2023) – Yesterday, Inspectors of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and Officers of the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement arrested a suspect and his accomplice in Hanover Park following video footage that was sent to the SPCA.
With limited information at hand, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched a manhunt to trace the suspect and ensure justice is served.
The SPCA decided to go public with the video to call on the public to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the culprit. The SPCA received several leads that enabled the team, with the assistance of the City’s Law Enforcement, to arrest the suspect and his accomplice.
In the video, the 17-year-old man is seen picking up a tame, trusting cat as he shows the camera his empty packet of chips saying, “this is what happens when you eat all my chips up. Chips is up, he’s also gonna go up.”
Shockingly, the young man suddenly hurls the small helpless creature like a rugby ball into the air, sending the innocent cat flying over a nearby rooftop.
In the video, both the abuser and the person recording the video are heard laughing with amusement at the terrifying incident that has just occurred, with the abuser concluding, “nou is hy ook op.”
The video was screen recorded and shared with the SPCA with a plea to bring justice for the cat.
The young man and his accomplice (18), who filmed the abuse, were taken into custody and charged with animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse said, “I am very pleased with the persistence of our team in finding the culprits. We are extremely grateful to the public for their assistance with providing information that led to this arrest. We are also very grateful for the swift support we received from the City of Cape Town. We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”
City of Cape Town Alderman JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety & Security said, “Having to watch the video that was circulated was horrifying, making it hard to believe that such a cruel act could be induced upon a helpless, innocent animal. It is a growing concern how the continuous exposure to violence within society desensitizes our youth, whereby in turn, it drives them to inflict pain and suffering onto others. In this same manner, organized gangs introduce the cruel sport of dog-fighting to our youth, in order to create a feeling of superiority amongst those who are able to cause the most injury and harm.”
Smith added, “It’s a vicious cycle that requires the whole of society to bring about needed change. It is with our utmost gratitude that the SPCA was able to react so quickly in the pursuit of justice. We will continue providing support where needed and recognize their value in animal welfare. “
Court Process
The two perpetrators are now set to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on charges of animal cruelty. The SPCA is in consultation with the Western Cape Department of Public Prosecutions to ensure appropriate action is taken, seeing as the one suspect is a minor.
“Kittie” – The Cat Who Survived
The cat, a young male (about one year old) survived the incident and was taken into the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, where he is receiving a full medical examination and care.
The owners of the cat named “Kittie” were only made aware of the incident when the video was being circulated on social media. Kittie will remain in our care until the case is concluded.
Report Cruelty
We urge the public to please report any cases of animal cruelty to our Inspectorate by calling our 24-hour call centre on 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604. Alternatively, send us an email at inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za