CONSTABLE Nobesuthu Ndimande’s treatment of animal cruelty as a serious crime not only made headlines but has seemingly set a precedent within the SAPS and prompted others to follow in her footsteps.

Now the Pinetown SAPS officer, whose work resulted in a conviction earlier this year for animal cruelty after chickens were found in a horrific condition at a property in Pinetown, and another last year after dead cats were discovered at an abandoned property in Glen Park, will be awarded by the district commissioner.

“Other police stations have also started taking animal cruelty cases seriously,” said Ndimande.

Ndimande said she has dealt with many such cases which do not end up in the spotlight.

This experience also included cases where people were charged for keeping of a vicious dog, cases which arise when this kind of animal injures a person, resulting in the pet owner being charged.

These matters, she explained, can land up in court which can issue a fine or they can be resolved through mediation.

Her advice to pet, especially dog owners, is that they should always ensure their furry friends are kept within fenced premises, which are secure so that the animal cannot find a hole to get out.

Additionally, within the yard, the pet owner should also make sure that there is a secluded area where the dog can be kept.

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“Dog owners should also ensure their pets are properly vaccinated,” advised Ndimande.

But her police work goes beyond dealing with cases of animal cruelty.

She said one of the matters she finds particularly challenging is when a domestic dispute arises which has a child at the centre of the “chaos”.

“My advice to parents is that they should always try to take it easy and consider the children instead of putting their needs first,” said Ndimande.

As a woman, police work comes with particular challenges, she said, which include being undermined by male suspects.

“Sometimes when you are trying to arrest a man they straight out refuse and say they will not be arrested by a woman or they will not be arrested by a child. Sometimes you end up feeling like they are going to hit you,” said Ndimande.

The work, however, is equally rewarding for the constable because every day she learns something new, she said.

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