The investigating officer and the State have opposed bail for three people accused of assaulting and setting alight five cats in Mgababa Section, Putfontein.

Dudu Nkoyena and Cleopatra Mlambo, along with their co-accused Moses Skosana, are facing charges of animal cruelty, malicious damage to property and trespassing.

The trio allegedly attacked the cats on November 3 after accusing their owner, 65-year-old Nomsa Maseko, of using the animals for witchcraft. Maseko is currently staying with Nonhlanhla Bhila, a Good Samaritan who took her in after her shack was vandalised, leaving her homeless and with nothing.

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During proceedings, a bail affidavit compiled by the investigating officer attached to the Putfontein SAPS was read into the record by prosecutor Mandusha Kandylall. The statement warned that if the accused were released, the complainant could be endangered, as the suspects might mobilise community members to attack her.

In opposing bail, Kandylall told the court that the accused allegedly forced their way into the complainant’s home and committed what she described as a “heinous act of violence” against both the woman and her pets.

She said the cruel and inhumane death these poor pets suffered is irreparable and their blatant disregard for the law is evident.

She added that as adults with full mental capacity, the accused should have known the difference between right and wrong and understood what constitutes torture and cruelty.

“One wonders who gave them the power or authority to take matters into their own hands and to search her home. Accusations of witchcraft will not disappear, but people will forever see her in that light,” Kandylall submitted.

According to the State, the accused allegedly forced Maseko to hand over her cats, despite her telling them that she can take the animals to the SPCA. Kandylall said the complainant has been left destitute and traumatised after witnessing the horrific deaths of her pets.

Defence attorneys for the accused pleaded with the court to grant bail, arguing that their clients would not endanger anyone and were not flight risks, as they do not possess passports.

In presenting their personal circumstances, the court heard that Nkoyena is unemployed and lives with her husband and four children. Mlambo is also unemployed and lives with her husband and children. Skosana, 67, is a pensioner, single and has no children.

The matter was postponed to December 23 for judgment. The accused were remanded in custody.

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