Officers of the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) arrested a 29-year-old man sought in connection with cases of animal abuse and bestiality in Chief Albert Luthuli on August 23.

The arrest followed complaints from neighbours about foul smells coming from the suspect’s shack, located on his mother’s property.

A team from The Animal Guardians (TAG), responding to the complaints, allegedly discovered three dog carcasses in various states of decomposition. The carcasses were reportedly wrapped in blankets and hidden under the man’s mattress.

This is the fourth charge of animal cruelty brought against the man since January. TAG’s Annie Jungmann blamed Crystal Park SAPS for allegedly not taking the cases seriously, which she said enabled the suspect to continue with the alleged abuse.

The initial charge involved the man’s alleged public abuse of a juvenile tortoise.

He was arrested and taken to a local hospital for assessment, where he was reportedly found to be mentally unstable. The case was subsequently withdrawn.

The Benoni City Times reported that on July 13, the Cloverdene-based animal welfare organisation responded to calls from residents of Third and North roads, who alleged that the man was abusing and killing dogs at an abandoned property.

Jungmann confirmed that TAG opened a case of animal cruelty and bestiality at the Crystal Park Police Station after a one-year-old dog, now named Nia, was rescued and two dog carcasses were found wrapped in bedding at the property.

“Police were provided with photographs and veterinary reports that may serve as key evidence in the investigation,” said Jungmann.

“On August 5, I received an SMS from the Crystal Park SAPS informing me that the docket had been referred to the office of the senior state prosecutor at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court. No further information is available regarding the progression of the investigation.

“Police were further informed of the gravity of the situation, as well as the potential threat this individual poses not only to animals but to the greater community. He is known to us and his possible whereabouts were provided to them, yet no arrests were made.”

The abuse continues

Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, BFS spokesperson, confirmed that earlier in the week of August 17, the Benoni SPCA also opened a case of animal abuse at the Crystal Park Police Station involving the alleged abuse of a chicken, cat and dog.

“On August 23, officers responded to TAG’s call, but upon their arrival the suspect had fled,” said Giblin.

“According to initial investigations of the scene, the bedding in the occupant’s outside structure was found stained with blood. Six hacksaw blades, possibly linked to the alleged animal mutilations, were collected as exhibits.

“One of the dogs, a female, showed trauma to her genitalia.”

Giblin continued, saying that at 15:00, officers received information from the Benoni SPCA that the suspect had been seen in the area with a dog in his possession.

“The suspect was tracked down and arrested. The animal was found in good health and handed over to the SPCA.”

Charges in accordance with the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 were brought against the suspect.

‘Police let this happen’

Concealing her identity and speaking in Afrikaans, the man’s mother pleaded with the police to lock her son up.

“People have told the police that he is dangerous. He does evil things to animals and he should be behind bars,” she said.

“Why are they letting him carry on? Would they have ignored it if it was a child?”

Emotional and vocal animal rights activist Jungmann said the deaths of three more animals rested on the shoulders of the local police station.

“When we contacted them regarding the recent incident, we were told that they do not respond to cases of animal abuse. They refused to respond despite knowing the unpredictability of the suspect, as well as the charges already brought against him,” she said.

“We have now been involved in removing 13 dead and one live dog from his possession. Who knows how many more he has harmed?

“These are Schedule 1 offences. They know who he is and are aware of his movements, yet they continued to turn a blind eye by failing to enforce the law effectively.

“The Benoni SPCA is also well aware of the situation, and I feel that they did not act effectively as part of their duty to uphold the welfare of animals.”

Benoni SPCA manager Thomas Mohlake said he was aware of TAG’s dissatisfaction regarding the handling of the charges by the organisation and police.

“I will, however, not comment on the matter at the moment,” he said.

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