Cat murders terrify pet owners
● At least 34 cats have been killed in recent weeks in a bizarre serial killing in the Cape Town suburb of Manenberg, prompting residents to form night patrols to look after their pets.
Most of the cats were slaughtered and dumped in people’s back yards, prompting concern about the psychological state of the killer or killers.
Residents have now opened a criminal case of animal abuse at Manenberg police station.
“This is brutal, what is taking place,” said 80-year-old resident Harry de Beer.
The first cat was found in mid-July, with regular killings following ever since, according to resident Abdul Karriem Adams, who lost one of his pets and is at the centre of the night patrol initiative.
He said three more dead cats were found on Friday morning, one of them chopped in half. Many others had been mutilated.
“This killing of cats is terrible. We have started a patrol to see if we can apprehend this sick person,” Adams said, adding that he suspected it was the work of a crazed individual rather than gang-related activity.
Adams appealed to pet owners to report any missing animals to the police.
He said only cats had been targeted to date, but killings were now being reported beyond Manenberg.
“I have heard that cats were also missing in Parow and in Mitchells Plain,” he said.
“I have seen most of the cats. I also bury the cats.”
Manenberg resident Faiza Jacobs, who has lost three cats since July, said she worries about the safety of her remaining pets.
“Less than two weeks ago my kitty was killed and dumped. She was slit from the throat to the tail,” she said, adding that her pet’s heart had been removed.
“I’m broken up, I’m very sad about the whole thing. I’m so scared and I fear for the other three cats I have left. I can’t imagine losing them. It really has taken a toll on me, losing my cats in this way.”
The Animal Welfare Society of SA has also joined to help residents track down those responsible for the killings.