The National Council of SPCA (NSPCA) has welcomed the arrest of a man who was caught on camera torturing a Nile crocodile.
The video went viral in January and depicts the individual repeatedly kicking and beating the crocodile before striking it multiple times in the mouth with a slasher.
The man, who dubbed himself the 'King of Crocodile' was arrested in a joint operation by the SAPS and NSPCA on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking about the arrest Jacques Peacock, spokesperson for the NSPCA said:
"This arrest is a significant step in holding animal abusers accountable, particularly those who commit such heinous acts for social media notoriety."
He said upon being alerted to the video, the NSPCA immediately launched an investigation.
"After gathering substantial evidence, the team successfully located and identified the suspect in Duthuni, a village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo.
"Following weeks of dedicated efforts, National Inspector White, with the invaluable assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Louis Trichardt SPCA, arrested the suspect on Thursday."
He said the man faces charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
Peacock said the suspect will remain in police custody and is expected to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court in the Limpopo province on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The NSPCA said they were concerned with the number of acts of cruelty against animals that are being filmed for entertainment and circulated on social media for the enjoyment of others.
The organization implored South Africans to treat all animals with respect.
IOL News