Kirstenhof teens face charges after knife attack on dog

THREE Kirstenhof teens are facing criminal charges after a knife attack on a hondjie. 

Local dog Zia, a four-year-old female brindle cross, was attacked at 3.08pm on 8 December. Her owner, Jonathan Nel, arrived home shortly before 4pm to find her with “a large knife protruding from her nose”. 

He rushed her to the SPCA in Grassy Park, where emergency x-rays revealed the blade was lodged deep in her right nasal cavity.

By 4.31pm, SPCA inspectors, supported by Kirstenhof Crime Watch (KCW), had analysed neighbourhood CCTV footage, identifying three youth between the ages of sixteen and seventeen years of age as suspects.

According to the SPCA, this evidence-gathering prompted the perpetrators “to admit their actions to their parents, who took them to apologise to Zia’s owner”.

Following discussions with the SPCA, the parents brought their children to SAPS Kirstenhof. The SPCA said initial claims that the stabbing was an act of self-defence are considered baseless due to the evidence they obtained.

The organisation commended the parents for their responsible actions.

Zia underwent surgery after x-rays to map the position of the blade and remains under close veterinary supervision.

The SPCA investigation is backed by the City's Law Enforcement and the Safety & Security Investigations Unit (SSIU).

A full criminal docket including “affidavits, photographic, video and veterinary evidence has been submitted to police”. 

SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse condemned the attack, saying: “This was an act of horrific cruelty. Our inspectors acted swiftly and will pursue the matter to its fullest legal conclusion. Accountability must follow. I acknowledge the parents who chose to bring their sons to SAPS. Violence cannot be excused, and actions must carry consequences.”