Caged pigs spark public health and animal welfare concerns
Health fears and severe animal welfare concerns erupt in Koornfontein near Komati Power Station as horrific video footage shows pigs allegedly being caged in extreme conditions near a local water source, in a residential area.
Koornfontein | Komati Power Station | Mpumalanga
Serious public health and animal welfare concerns have erupted in Koornfontein near the Komati Power Station after disturbing video footage has surfaced showing pigs allegedly being kept in extreme and unsanitary conditions in a residential area, less than 200m from homes and close to a local water source.
The footage and photographs, obtained on February 11, show pigs confined in makeshift enclosures, standing in thick mud and stagnant water under direct sunlight. No visible source of clean drinking water is visible in the recordings, and the feeding troughs appear empty.
The animals can be heard crying loudly in the background of the footage.
Concerned residents describe the sounds as ‘heartbreaking’. “They scream continuously. It sounds like suffering,” one neighbour said.
The area surrounding the enclosure appears littered with waste. Residents say the stench is overwhelming. “It smells like rot. We cannot open our windows, especially in this heat,” another resident said, adding that recent prolonged power outages have left families unable to ventilate their homes.
Beyond animal welfare concerns, residents have reported a rat infestation, describing rodents ‘as big as cats’ moving in groups around the property. The combination of animal waste, stagnant water, and vermin has heightened fears of disease and environmental contamination.
An elderly and reportedly frail resident living adjacent to the property requested anonymity, but neighbours say the conditions of the pigs are cruel and pose a direct health risk.
Public health concerns
More concerning is the distance of the pig enclosure to a water source, supplying parts of Koornfontein and nearby Blinkpan. The community fears that animal waste and run-off could contaminate the local water system. An issue that strongly hits home, amid the ongoing scrutiny of water quality standards in the Middelburg area and parts of Mpumalanga.
Recent provincial monitoring has highlighted the strain on water infrastructure in several municipalities, intensifying calls for stricter oversight and enforcement near critical water sources.
SPCA inspection
The matter was reported to the SPCA Middelburg, which conducted a residential inspection following complaints.
According to the owner, a formal notice was issued instructing that the pigs must be relocated by February 26. Inspectors are scheduled to return on that date to assess compliance. Should the pigs remain on the property, further action, including the issuing of a fine, may follow.
Owner says
Property owner Jan Shoba has responded to enquiries, and confirmed that approximately ‘eight’ pigs are being kept on the property and acknowledged that the SPCA had visited and issued a notice.
He stated that he is aware of community complaints. He further claimed that he has been unable to take the pigs to slaughter due to restrictions and shutdowns caused by the local foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which has affected livestock movement and slaughter operations in the Middelburg and surrounding areas.
Municipality’s previous warnings
DA ward councillor Stefan Smith confirmed that the municipality has been aware of the situation for several months.
According to him, municipal authorities issued warnings to the owner approximately four or five months ago and advised him to relocate the pigs to a more suitable area, similar to arrangements made for roaming cattle in Blinkpan.
It is alleged that no action was taken by the owner following those warnings and that municipal communications were met with extreme disregard.
The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is no excuse to ignore basic animal welfare obligations, nor do they negate municipal health and environmental compliance standards. Where livestock is kept within metres of homes and near water infrastructure, oversight is not optional; it is essential.
If the conditions depicted in the footage are confirmed to breach animal protection laws or municipal by-laws, enforcement must follow, and absolute accountability must be applied.
Communities deserve clean air and safe water. Animals deserve protection from suffering, starvation, and caged survival.
The matter remains under investigation.
@middelburgobserver NEWS | Caged pigs spark public health and animal welfare concerns Disturbing footage from Koornfontein, near Komati Power Station, shows pigs allegedly kept in extreme conditions less than 200m from homes and near a local water source. An SPCA notice was issued. Health and animal welfare concerns grow. Residents demand action. Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/middelburg-observer/news/2026/02/12/caged-pigs-spark-public-health-and-animal-welfare-concerns/ #middelburgobserver #mpumalanga #middelburg #animalwelfare #watersafety #animalrights #publichealth#stevetshwetelocalmunicipality #koornfontein #komatipowerstation
