UPDATE: Pro-Life distances itself from founder’s court case

MBOMBELA: Pro Life Pet Rescue issued the following statement regarding the arrest of founder Karin Erasmus on charges of perjury.

MEDIA STATEMENT: There is an article in the Lowvelder regarding our founder Karin Erasmus. I would like to assure all our followers and supporters that this case is in no way associated with Pro Life Pet Rescue, it is relating to a theft that took place at Karin’s house. It is an ongoing case that is open for investigation so we will not be discussing or commenting on the case. We are a registered and audited organisation that is run by a committee of volunteers. We hope that this matter will not reflect poorly on us or tarnish the reputation that we have worked so hard to build. I have asked the Lowvelder’s editor to remove the Pro Life Pet Rescue name from the article but they have refused as this is the only thing that makes the case news worthy. We thank you for your ongoing support. The staff, committee and I will continue to work hard and care for the animals and sanctuary. A full statement will be issued after the case has been closed. Leigh-Anne Auerswald – Pro Life Chairperson–

MBOMBELA – Pro-Life Pet Rescue, Rehabilitation and Adoption Agency founder, Karin Erasmus and her fiancé appeared in the Nelspruit District Court on a charge of  perjury today.

They were arrested at the sanctuary on Wednesday and released on a warning.

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According to police spokesman, Lt Col Erhard Stroh, the arrests stemmed from the alleged theft of a firearm from their shared home on June 30.

According to Stroh, upon investigation police discovered that the firearm had not been in the safe, but was kept in a side drawer.

The court matter was postponed until August 2, pending further investigation. An extensive account of the incident will appear in the printed editon of Lowvelder of Friday, July 13.