Kenneth ‘Nkosana Prince’ Motsoane is expected in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court today after he appeared in court last week, first for kidnapping and then for an animal cruelty case where a dog’s throat was ‘cut open from ear to ear’.

Motsoane was arrested on November 11 for kidnapping and an additional charge of pointing a firearm. He appeared in court last Wednesday for a formal bail application, but the case was postponed to Thursday and then rolled over again to today.

He faces a kidnapping charge after Refilwe Khathatso alleged he took her against her will from the Botshabelo Rehabilitation Centre. Motsoane’s lawyer, Jaco Kruger, stated in court that his client claimed she was his girlfriend.

Khathatso denied this, describing Motsoane as ‘like an uncle’ and explaining she had stayed with him and his wife at one stage.

Animal cruelty case

On Friday, Motsoane also appeared in court for an animal cruelty case. SPCA senior inspector Petro Oberholzer opened the case in July 2023 after a dog, presumed to belong to Motsoane, was found with its throat severely cut.

The SPCA was alerted after individuals at 4SAI reported seeing the dog in a yard. Upon inspection, Oberholzer discovered the injured animal. “His throat was cut open from ear to ear, but he was still alive.” A piece of cloth resembling a scarf was tied around the dog’s neck.

Motsoane permitted the SPCA to euthanise the severely injured dog. He first appeared in court for this case in February, but it was postponed to July. He failed to attend the July hearing, citing illness, leading to a warrant for his arrest. He was apprehended on October 2 and appeared in court the same day.

Following Motsoane’s recent arrest for kidnapping, a video emerged showing him being assaulted in the offices of the Middelburg Detective Branch.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli clarified that police officers were not responsible for the assault.

Tshepo Eric Masemola was arrested in connection with the assault on the evening of November 28. He appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court the next day on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. His court outcome is not known.

To view the video of the assault (not for sensitive viewers) click here.