Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspector allegedly assaulted while rescuing 4 dogs

Tasleem Gierdien

Tasleem Gierdien

21 October 2025 | 10:14

All four dogs were safely removed and taken to the SPCA clinic for immediate care, where they were later euthanised due to irreversible skin damage and suffering.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspector allegedly assaulted while rescuing 4 dogs

Image: Cape of Good Hope SPCA, website

On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA received a report about a 'brown Pitbull' suffering from a severe skin condition in Longlands, Strand.

When Inspector Lwazi Ntungele arrived at the property, he was met with hostility. The occupant was aggressive, denied any wrongdoing, and refused entry. Despite the obstruction, Ntungele could see enough from outside to raise serious concerns: two puppies with severe skin conditions and an adult dog scratching constantly, clearly in distress.

The owner insisted the dogs had been seen by a vet "three weeks ago" but failed to provide any evidence.

With visible signs of suffering and a refusal to comply with lawful inspection, Ntungele applied for a warrant under Section 8 of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The Strand Magistrate’s Court granted the warrant the following day.

On 16 October, Ntungele returned to the property with officers from Strand SAPS to enforce the warrant and rescue the animals. Instead of cooperation, they were met with violence and resistance.

According to reports, the owner became verbally aggressive and uncooperative. The situation escalated further when her husband arrived. As Ntungele attempted to remove the dogs, the man punched him in the face in an effort to block the rescue. SAPS officers intervened, but the suspect resisted arrest, prompting a call for urgent backup.

The woman also assaulted Ntungele, punching him in the face. Both individuals were arrested and taken to Strand Police Station, where they were charged with animal cruelty, obstruction, and assault.

All four dogs were safely removed and taken to the SPCA clinic for immediate care.

A veterinary examination revealed that two of the dogs were suffering from advanced demodectic mange, a painful skin disease that causes severe itching, inflammation, open wounds, and hair loss. The vet confirmed the animals had been subjected to prolonged, preventable cruelty.

Thecondition, which could have been treated, had been allowed to worsen to the point of chronic suffering due to the owners’ failure to seek veterinary care.

Tragically, the damage to their skin was irreversible. To prevent further suffering, the only humane option was euthanasia.

"This case is a shocking reminder of the violence and resistance our inspectors often face while simply trying to protect the voiceless. But our inspectors will not be intimidated. We will continue to fight for every single animal that suffers in silence," said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.

The SPCA urges anyone to report animal cruelty when they see it: (021) 700 4158 / 083 326 1604.

To listen to Barbara Friedman talk about this story with Clarence Ford on CapeTalk's Views and News, use the audio player below:

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