Violent confrontation during SPCA animal rescue leads to arrests in Strand
Police officers hold the suspect after he violently attacked an SPCA inspector.
Image: SPCA
Two individuals have been arrested and charged following an assault on an SPCA inspector during a court-authorised animal rescue operation in Strand, Cape Town.
The incident took place on October 16 when Inspector Lwazi Ntungele, accompanied by members of the Strand SAPS, executed a warrant to remove four dogs from a property where they were reportedly subjected to severe neglect.
This action was prompted by a complaint regarding a dog suffering from a serious skin condition.
When the inspector first visited the property, the owner refused entry, shouted at him, and denied any wrongdoing. From outside the property, Ntungele observed animals in visible distress and sought legal authorisation to intervene.
When the SPCA and police returned with the warrant, the situation quickly escalated.
According to the SPCA, the owner remained aggressive, and her husband physically confronted the inspector as he attempted to remove the animals.
Ntungele was punched in the face during the altercation. SAPS officers intervened and arrested both the man and the woman after they allegedly resisted arrest. They were taken to the Strand Police Station.
The suspects are expected to face charges of animal cruelty, obstruction of an authorised SPCA inspector and assault.
Despite the attack, the inspector completed the operation, and all four dogs were removed from the property.
The inspector and SAPS found the dog in a state of neglect.
Image: Supplied
A veterinary examination found that two of the dogs were suffering from advanced demodectic mange, a painful skin condition that had gone untreated for an extended period. The veterinarian concluded that their condition amounted to prolonged and preventable suffering.
Due to the severity of their injuries, the two most severely affected dogs were humanely euthanised. The other two remain in SPCA care and are receiving treatment.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said the incident highlights the risks faced by inspectors when responding to animal cruelty cases.
"What happened to our inspector in Strand was an attack on compassionate self. He was there to help, he was there to rescue animals that have been suffering for far too long and he was punched in the face for doing his job. That should disturb every single on of us. Our inspectors face this kind of danger far too often but they will never walk away," said Abraham.
The organisation has thanked SAPS for its response and confirmed that it will pursue the matter in court.