Warning: Not for sensitive readers – contains graphic details
It was a gruesome and disturbing sight that shocked community members near a busy mall in Phoenix on Thursday morning, when a man was caught mutilating a cat in full view of the public.
According to Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZNVIP Protection Services, officers responded swiftly after the KZNVIP Control Centre received alarming reports of an African male allegedly attacking a live cat near a well-known shopping centre.
“All available KZNVIP response officers were immediately dispatched after concerned patrons contacted the control centre about the horrific act. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect in possession of the already deceased animal and intervened without delay,” said Naidoo.
He further confirmed that the man had reportedly been seen cutting the animal into pieces, traumatising those who witnessed the brutal act. The motive behind the incident is still unknown at this stage.
The suspect was apprehended on the scene and handed over to SAPS Phoenix. He now faces charges of animal cruelty.
Phoenix Tabloid has reached out to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment (PACT) for further comment
