LANSDOWNE police have arrested an alleged serial cat killer in Ottery on Sunday.
A joint operation between SAPS and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA saw authorities nab a 29-year-old suspect inside his home in the informal settlement of Freedom Park.
This comes after authorities received a tip-off after it was alleged that the suspect had killed more than five katjies over the past few months in the area.
The suspect is facing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court today where the SPCA will be opposing bail.
Chief Inspector of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Jaco Pieterse said that this matter is still under investigation and that he can only give limited information at this stage.
Pieterse shares: “The incident occurred in Ottery. The Lansdowne SAPS contacted us after the owner of the cat went to the station to open a case. It is alleged that more than five cats have been killed over a few months, but we only know about the one incident.
“The cat was suffocated by means of a plastic bag over the head. A post-mortem will be conducted and we await further results so that we can determine if the cat was also beaten as there was a lot of blood on the scene.
“The complainant identified the suspect, who was subsequently arrested and will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates court today [Tuesday]. The SPCA will be opposing bail.”
Pieterse said that there is no reason for anyone to kill an animal in this manner.
He says: “There is no valid reason for any animal to be killed in a barbaric manner. There are humane ways to solve issues with animals that are perceived to be problematic.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the arrest, saying: “This office can confirm that a 29-year-old male residing in Freedom Park informal settlement was arrested on Sunday 1 June at about 5pm at his residence.
“The arrest came after a whistle-blower reported that the suspect is killing cats and put them in the municipal dust bin to SPCA.
“A case of animal cruelty was opened at Lansdown SAPS for investigation.
“He will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court once charged.”