Trio convicted after horse collapses under overloaded cart in Wetton

Three men have been convicted after a working horse named Willamina collapsed under an overloaded scrap cart in Wetton. A case that ended in arrests, criminal charges and the mare’s death.

In March, inspectors were called to Plantation Road in Wetton, where a dark bay mare was being forced to drag a scrap car mounted on a cart weighing 880kg. Three adult men were riding on top of the scrap. By the time the SPCA arrived, Willamina was collapsing repeatedly, her legs buckling as she was still being driven forward.

Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt detached her from the load and issued a seizure notice. She was rushed to the SPCA Horse Care Unit for emergency care. Severe fractures made recovery impossible, and she was humanely euthanised.

Her owner, Moestakiem Jacobs (28), and the men assisting him, Jerome Danny Samuels (29) and Ashley Simson (39), were arrested and charged. All three were found guilty under the Animals Protection Act and the City’s Animal Keeping By-law. They each received R12 000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years.

A veterinary report submitted to court recorded muscle tremors, generalised weakness, poor body condition, visible ribs and pressure sores from a chafing harness. The vet concluded the load combined with the weight of three men, was “far beyond the physical capabilities of a horse of her size and condition,” adding that continued work would have resulted in “collapse or death.” These findings helped secure the convictions.

Inspectors say Willamina’s suffering reflects a growing trend in Cape Town’s working-horse economy. Increasingly, horses are rented out cheaply, used harshly for scrap collection and returned injured and exhausted. “These horses are not companions or partners. They are simply tools to be used, abused, and discarded,” the SPCA warns. Four similar cases have been reported in recent months.

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse said the ruling sends a strong warning. “This conviction sends a clear message: If you abuse an animal, you will be held accountable. Willamina suffered because of human greed and disregard. Our Inspectorate will continue fighting for animals who cannot fight for themselves.”

Although the sentence is suspended, the criminal record remains, meaning any future offence will result in direct imprisonment. The case also highlights the work of inspectors, veterinarians and Horse Care Unit staff who deal with the aftermath of these incidents.

The SPCA is urging the public to report any overloaded, limping, injured or underweight working horse immediately. Under the Animals Protection Act, it is illegal to overload, overwork or ill-treat any animal, and both owners and hirers can face prosecution.

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Cape Argus