Second arrest for dog’s death

POLICE have made a breakthrough in the stabbing to death of a Khayelitsha dog, arresting a second suspect behind the gruesome attack captured on camera.

He is due to apply for bail when he appears in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

The man, identified as Mibongo Siyokwane, was arrested on Wednesday following an 11-month large-scale manhunt, according to SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham.

Siyokwane’s co-accused, Sihle Mbambo, was arrested earlier and has appeared in court four times, including on February 21.

His trial was set to begin last week but was postponed following Siyokwane’s arrest.

A chilling video clip of the accused repeatedly knifing the dog, named Benji, in full view of horrified passers-by was shot by a witness and sent to the Cape Times.

After Mbambo’s arrest, the SPCA had offered a R6000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of his accomplice.

“Sihle Mbambo and Mibongo Siyokwane of Khayelitsha will now both be held accountable for this heinous crime, and we couldn’t be more pleased at this turn of events.

“We thank every individual who submitted an affidavit in support of the harshest possible penalty for this crime, as well as all those who came forward with leads and information that have contributed significantly to this case,” said Abraham.

“We also extend our gratitude to SAPS Khayelitsha and commend our own Inspector Siviwe Noko for his commitment and dedication in the search of the accused and in the pursuit of justice for Benji.”