Don’t be taken for a donkey ride

33 SLAUGHTERED: POLICE ON LOOK-OUT FOR CULPRIT

NSPCA warns residents north of Pretoria to be wary of buying donkey meat.

Animal protection society says people should be wary of the meat they buy.

That delicious-looking stew on your plate could be donkey meat. Animal protection society the NSPCA has warned residents north of Pretoria to be wary of being fed donkey meat.

The warning follows the discovery of 33 donkey carcasses in the north of the city.

SPCA inspector Mishack Matlou said the carcasses were found at various locations in Winterveldt, Kgabalatsane, Klipgat and Madidi.

“In all instances, the bulk of the meat was missing and only the legs, head and skin were left.”

He said several donkey owners in the area had recently reported their animals missing. “We do not know who is behind the killings. We do not know what they are going to do with the meat. We want to appeal to community members to be wary when buying meat, especially those buying and selling food around the community.”

He said the SPCA had opened a case with the police, but no arrests have been made yet.

“Tshwane North cluster commander Major Hilda Mohajane has assured us that the police will step up the investigation. They will even keep an eye at the pension payout points, where most of the meat sellers cater for pensioners on pay days,” he said.

“We want to make people aware, especially those who like pap and vleis, to check their meat carefully.”

Recently, Kgabalatsane residents burnt down a shack where a man lived who was suspected of selling donkey meat. He had allegedly told them it was beef.

An elderly resident had reported that she woke up one Saturday morning to find her fence broken down and four of her donkeys missing. She and other residents, found them slaughtered in the man’s shack.

“The residents were furious. Fearing for their health and feeling cheated, they went to the police station. He has to pay for his crime and give my donkeys back,” she said. – Caxton News Service