A man who dubbed himself the ‘King of Crocodiles’ has been arrested after a disturbing video showing him torturing a Nile crocodile in Duthuni, a village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo, surfaced on social media.

According to an article published by Polokwane Review, the widely circulated video, which first emerged around January 18, depicts the suspect repeatedly kicking and beating the crocodile before striking it multiple times in the mouth with a slasher. Other people can be seen stoning the injured crocodile while bystanders cheer on.

Following an outcry, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) launched an investigation and tracked down the suspect.

Their findings revealed that the man inflicted severe injuries on the crocodile, including hacking at its teeth while it was still alive.

The crocodile had to be euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.

The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with many calling for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.

After weeks of investigation, the NSPCA, in collaboration with Thohoyandou SAPS and the Louis Trichardt SPCA, arrested the suspect.

He has been charged with animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, and is due to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

“His arrest should serve as a powerful warning to anyone who engages in, records and shares acts of animal cruelty,” says the NSPCA.

The NSPCA has expressed concern over the growing trend of animal abuse being filmed and circulated for entertainment on social media.

The organisation urges people to report acts of cruelty and to recognise that animals experiencing pain and suffering.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp Channel.