Nearly a year after being arrested for animal cruelty, Dudu Nkoyena, Cleopatra Mlambo and Moses Skosana heard their fate in the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court on October 28.

The trio were arrested on December 1, 2025, after they beat and burned five cats belonging to 66-year-old Nomsa Maseko, of Mgababa Section, Putfontein, on November 3.

Further charges of malicious damage to property and trespassing were added, relating to Maseko’s shack being vandalised and her belongings set alight.

The attack was allegedly motivated by community members accusing Maseko, an animal lover, of witchcraft.

The accused were denied bail and pleaded guilty to charges brought by Benoni SPCA, The Animal Guardians (TAG), and Daveyton SAPS.

TAG had supported Maseko through its outreach programme by providing cat food for 11 years before the horrific incident.

On the animal cruelty charges, Nkoyena, Mlambo and Skosana were each sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years.

On the trespassing charge, the court imposed a similar sentence.

The court also deemed them unfit to own or be in charge of any animal indefinitely, or to possess a firearm.

“Five innocent animals, who were deeply loved and cared for, were beaten with a spade and burnt alive,” said Benoni SPCA manager Thomas Mohlake after the verdict was handed down.

“They were innocent, defenceless and completely dependent on human beings for their protection. The cruelty inflicted upon these cats is something no animal should ever have to endure. Their suffering is a painful reminder of why the fight against animal cruelty must never stop.”

“I am disappointed with the sentence. We had hoped it would reflect the severity of the suffering inflicted on these innocent cats, it does, however, represent an important milestone in a journey that began with the determination to seek justice for them.”

Vocal animal welfare activist and founder of TAG Annie Jungmann echoed Mohlake’s sentiments but commended the society’s determination in seeking justice not only for the distraught Maseko, who was left severely traumatised and destitute following the killing of her pets, whom she considered her children.

“Since the ordeal, Nomsa has become an active ambassador for responsible animal ownership,” said Jungmann.

“She has turned her heartache into a powerful tool to educate members of the community about the importance of sterilisation, often bringing owners and their beloved kitties to our organisation to undergo sterilisation.

“Further to this, she encourages community members to register for our outreach programme, which ensures that animals undergo monthly welfare check-ups.

“Despite the trauma and loss Nomsa suffered, she has become an invaluable community leader.”