MBOMBELA – Farm animals have apparently become the latest victims of cruelty at Cefups Academy. The SPCA confirmed last week that pigs kept on the school’s premises were left to starve to death and had to be put down.
Mr Chris Kuch of the National Council of SPCAs confirmed that a senior inspector of the organisation’s farm animal protection unit visited Cefups’ premises on August 29, having obtained a warrant to do so.
“We confirm that three pigs were euthanised on that date. Prosecution is being considered. In the interim – as per our policy – we are conducting an investigation. We want to add that Mr Mkhatshwa has had sufficient warning to ensure that the pigs were taken care of.”
Mr Simon Mkhatshwa, the school principal, could not be reached for comment regarding the incident and why the pigs had not been fed. The newspaper could not confirm how many pigs were still being kept on the premises or whether the school was able to take proper care of the animals.
The academy was recently in the news when one of its matric pupils, Paballo Seane (19), died in hospital after she had allegedly been beaten with a sjambok. The Mpumalanga Department of Education is investigating the matter. The provincial executive confirmed last week that the school had until September 19 to inform the education department why it should not be closed.
Regarding the animals, Kuch said, “The situation will be monitored.”
