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

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 individuals can also be seen stoning the injured croc while bystanders cheer on.

Following an outcry, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) launched an investigation into the incident.

National Inspectors White and Mmoya, with the support of Senior Inspector Khodobo from the Louis Trichardt SPCA, identified and tracked the suspect. Their findings revealed that the man not only inflicted severe injuries on the crocodile but also hacked at its teeth while it was still alive.

The animal was later euthanised by Nature Conservation authorities due to the extent of its injuries.

The suspect showed no remorse, instead embracing his notoriety by printing T-shirts featuring images of himself taunting the crocodile. 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 for animal cruelty. He is set to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 17.

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

The NSPCA has expressed concern over the growing trend of animal abuse being filmed and circulated for entertainment on social media. The organisation urges South Africans to report acts of cruelty and to recognise that animals are capable of experiencing pain, suffering, and emotions.