The South African Satanic Church has offered a R10 000 reward for information on the notorious cat killer in Manenberg.
To date, over 40 cats have been found mutilated in the Cape Flats community.
Co-founder Reverend Riaan Swiegelaar says they are horrified by social media posts fingering Satanists as the perpetrators, adding that they do not believe in animal sacrifices.
“We found out about it in the papers and started following it on social media,” he says.
“I was horrified because I have four cats myself and I am a big cat lover and our organisation has been donating to animal organisations for almost a year now.”
He says the church called a meeting this week to discuss the matter, and is offering the reward to help catch the perpetrators.
“We noticed on social media platforms a lot of people are saying and asking if this is not Satanic-related.
“We have three members who actually stay in Manenberg and they are horrified at even the suggestion.
“There is no ritual in Satanism that requires the slaughtering of animals.
“Even in our bible it says under no circumstances will a Satanist take a life.”
Swiegelaar highlighted a section of the Satanic Bible of Anton Szandor LaVey which states: “Under no circumstances would a Satanist sacrifice any animal or baby!”
The reverend adds: “There is a big misconception and this whole blood thing comes from other religions and is projected onto us.”
He says they have been in contact with Manenberg Police to inform them about the reward and have an agreement to pass all information they receive to the cops.
Meanwhile, the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) has increased their reward from R7000 to R10 000.
Spokesperson Allan Perrins says on Monday they disposed of two dogs, a pit bull and a short-haired terrier cross, which they believe are being used by the killers to hunt the cats.
He explains after viewing CCTV footage from two sources, they suspect this is how the killers catch the felines before viciously killing them.
“Both dogs have extensive scarring to especially their faces indicative of cat claw lacerations,” Perrins says.
“According to curious onlookers, the dogs are vicious and have bitten people.”
He says two more cats were found dead in Renoster Walk.
“Their pulverised bodies were left out in the open as if to taunt us and cause maximum uproar but nothing will deter us from catching this evil individual whose reign of terror is about to come to an abrupt end.
“Our reward has been increased to R10 000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.”
If you have information send an email to [email protected] or a WhatsApp message to 082 844 6588.
Alternatively call AWS on 021 692 2626 during office hours or 082 601 1761 after hours.