Bokang Matjelo (39) appeared in the Daveyton Magistrates Court on June 10, on a charge of cruelty to animals.
He is accused of striking his neighbour’s dog, Tobie (a female Jack Russell), in Daveyton, on March 2.
The suspect allegedly hit Tobie for no reason.
The dog’s eyeball had to be removed to prevent it from rotting and there was a 5cm piercing in her chest, which affected her mobility.
The dog’s original owner, Peter Mnguni, relinquished his pet for fear that she would be beaten again.
Matjelo was apprehended on May 19, after a warrant of arrest was issued for him after he failed to appear in court on April 30.
When he appeared in court on May 20 and 21, he pleaded guilty to being an illegal immigrant and was sentenced to a R300 fine or three months imprisonment, suspended for five years.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge of cruelty to animals.
The trial has been set for July 3 and Mnguni was also warned to appear as he is a witness in the matter.
Matjelo will remain in custody.
A Northmead resident adopted the canine shortly after the incident.
