The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has hailed the recent sentencing of a Soweto man to eight years direct imprisonment for bestiality as a victory in its fight against this crime in South Africa.
On April 28, M Mofokeng was found guilty of bestiality for raping his neighbour’s dog, Moana, in 2020. Criminal charges were brought against him by the NSPCA.
According to Marcelle Meredith, NSPCA executive director, in the early hours of November 21, 2020, a tenant living on a property in Soweto witnessed Mofokeng naked and precariously positioned in Moana’s kennel.
“Having been caught with his pants literally down, he was apprehended by members of the community. Upon arrival at the scene, the NSPCA found the family dog severely violated and in need of urgent veterinary attention,” said Meredith.
“The dog was immediately taken to the NSPCAs veterinarian for an emergency examination and treatment.
“Our veterinary consultant Dr Bryce Marock confirmed that Moana was inhumanely restrained and demonstrated injuries consistent with rape. The dog was only 11 months old at the time of the assault,” Meredith explained.
Mofokeng was granted bail after his initial arrest, however, he contravened the imposed bail conditions by failing to appear before the court, which resulted in him being rearrested.
Meredith said that with the original witness being absent in this matter, the conviction success rested on the shoulders of Dr Marock and Inspector Shiven Bodasing from the NSPCAs Special Investigations Unit.
“Marock’s testimony afforded the court irrefutable evidence that Moana suffered as a result of the assault and this evidence was corroborated by a testimony in aggravation furnished by Bodasing,” said Meredith.
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“The success of this case is, therefore, owed to both of them. Without their excellent testimonies, injustice would prevail and by extension deprive all animals in South Africa of their unprecedented judgement.
“The NSPCA also extends its appreciation to Cora Bailey from Community Led Animal Welfare for reporting the abuse to the NSPCA.
“Magistrate E van Niekerk stated in his judgement that a distinction should not be made between the rape of an animal and that of a human.
“The courts, therefore, have a duty to protect the rights of animal victims and impose appropriate sentences to avoid the community from taking matters into their own hands. Eight years is the highest direct imprisonment sentencing ever imposed for animal cruelty in Africa, and will set the precedent nationwide.”
Moana has made a full physical recovery under the watchful eye of the NSPCA, and she has been sterilised, vaccinated, microchipped and dewormed.
“The NSPCA will continue to offer its support and assistance to Moana and her entire human family as they are all victims of this crime in their own ways,” said Meredith.
“Bestiality is a serious concern in our country. It is a shameful crime that is swept under carpets to protect perpetrators. We forget that bestiality usually progresses to the abuse of children and eventually other adult human beings at a later stage.
“The NSPCA winning this case is of extreme significance. We hope that other bestiality cases being heard across the country will follow suit as a precedent has been set, and that animal rapists have been thoroughly cautioned of the consequences.
“Communities are encouraged to report bestiality. Together with the relentless pursuit of this movement, we can bring this evil to its knees.”
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