NSPCA arrests two men in separate Mpumalanga and KZN animal-sexual-abuse probes

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has arrested two men in separate investigations into alleged sexual abuse of animals in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, and Mahlabatini, KwaZulu‑Natal, the organisation said.

Searches, removals and evidence

The arrests followed months of work by the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit (SPU), which executed search warrants at properties in Volksrust and Mahlabatini after acting on information it had received. A total of two dogs and 15 goats were removed from the properties after being signed over to the NSPCA’s care.

In Volksrust, inspectors found a male and a female dog during a search warrant. The NSPCA said one of the dogs matched a dog seen in video evidence obtained during the investigation. The dogs were taken to a place of safety where a veterinarian conducted forensic examinations. A suspect was arrested and remains in custody. The matter has been postponed to 27 July 2026 to allow for further investigation.

Mahlabatini operation and court outcome

In Mahlabatini, inspectors removed 15 goats from a property. Based on the evidence gathered, the NSPCA said it believes at least three of the goats had been sexually abused. A man who works as a teacher was arrested during the operation but was later released after the control prosecutor at the Ulundi Magistrate’s Court declined to enrol the matter pending further police investigations. The NSPCA said the suspect is expected to be summoned to court once the South African Police Service finalises its investigation.

Possible links and investigative challenges

The NSPCA said investigators believe there may be a link between the two suspects, and that this possibility remains under investigation. Senior Inspector Arno de Klerk of the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit described such work as lengthy and complex.

“These cases take months of careful investigative work, from the first tip-off through to the arrest,” he said. “We are seeing more cases of sexual abuse of animals, and we depend heavily on the public to report what they see or hear, so that we can act on it.”

Legal framework and public appeal

The NSPCA noted that bestiality is an offence under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act and can, in many cases, also constitute animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act. The organisation urged anyone who suspects an animal is being sexually abused to report the matter to their nearest SPCA or the NSPCA, and said all reports are treated anonymously.

The NSPCA added that it could not release further details as the investigations remain ongoing.