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Fake NSPCA Inspector Arrested in Cape Town
Fraud Disguised as Animal Welfare
Cape Town’s animal welfare community was rocked this month when a man attempted to pass himself off as a qualified inspector for the National Council of SPCAs. His alleged scheme was uncovered after he applied for a vacancy at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, claiming impressive credentials that turned out to be falsified.
From Job Application to Arrest
According to the NSPCA, the suspect’s first job application seemed ordinary. He did not claim to have inspector status. But on his second attempt, he declared himself a qualified inspector and field officer, even submitting what looked like an official competency certificate. That document carried forged signatures and nonexistent qualifications.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA invited him for an interview on 3 September 2025. Unknown to him, law enforcement had already been alerted. When he produced further documents to support his fabricated history, police intervened. He was arrested on the spot and is being held until his bail application on 19 September.
Serious Charges
The suspect is facing a string of charges including fraud, uttering, and violations of both the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Act and the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The South African Veterinary Council is also investigating him for fraud. Police confirmed that at least eight additional cases have been opened against him at stations across Cape Town.
A Warning From the NSPCA
The NSPCA has urged the public to remain vigilant. Chief executive Esté Kotzé emphasised that inspectors are law enforcement officials, authorised by magistrates and always carrying official identification. Any doubts should be reported directly to a local SPCA branch.
Kotzé added that exploiting a non-profit movement dedicated to protecting animals for personal gain was “deeply disturbing” and should serve as a warning to others who might attempt similar fraud.
Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
For many South Africans, the SPCA represents trust, compassion, and accountability in animal welfare. This case is more than a criminal act. It highlights how vulnerable non-profit organisations can be to opportunists and why verification and public awareness are essential. The swift response by the NSPCA and law enforcement reassures the public that impostors will not slip through unnoticed.
Also read: The Wait is Over: High-Stakes Madlanga Commission Probe into Justice System Finally Begins
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: SPCA
