Manenberg SAPS probing bestiality incident
A TWENTY-three-year-old man who recorded himself committing an act of bestiality is expected to appear in court today after his arrest earlier this week.
The Manenberg man was arrested for contravening the Animal Protection Act just hours after the footage surfaced on social media and went viral, showing the man in selfie-style video sexually abusing a dog.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CoGH SPCA) chief inspector, Jaco Pieterse said they were alerted to the footage and immediately made plans to nab the perpetrator.
“The footage, which clearly showed the perpetrator engaged in an act of bestiality, went viral after being posted online. The video found its way to CoGH SPCA senior inspectors after being forwarded by concerned members of the community.
“The SPCA immediately investigated the incident and within mere hours was able to trace the man to his home address in Manenberg, where an arrest was made,” said Pieterse.
“We also removed the victim, a small-breed young dog from the property. In addition to evidence of having suffered horrendous sexual abuse, the puppy was also confined to a small wooden box and forced to live in otherwise deplorable conditions.
“The dog underwent a full veterinary assessment at the CoGH SPCA
and will remain in safekeeping.
“When one considers a crime of this nature, we must not forget that the link between gender-based violence (GBV) and animal abuse is highlighted. The SPCA cites the statistic that at least 71% of those who are perpetrators of GBV are also likely to abuse the most vulnerable in our midst; children, the elderly, and of course, animals,” he said.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident.
“Manenberg police are investigating a case of bestiality. A 23-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday and will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once he has been charged,” said Twigg.
The SPCA urges communities to report animal cruelty and cases of bestiality to their offices at 021 700 4140 or anonymously contact Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.