For two years, NSPCA Inspector Matome Semenya and Inspector Oageng Mosito remained steadfast in obtaining justice for a dog they rescued during the investigation of an animal abuse case.

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A media statement issued by the NSPCA stated that on June 9, these inspectors honoured their duty when they won the NSPCA’s case against Samuel Modise, a man who brutally beat a dog and buried the animal alive in his backyard.

The incident happened on April 13, 2020, and when the NSPCA responded to the complaint in Molorwe Village, North West, the owner of the dog told them her dog had been brutally attacked by her neighbour (Modise) and that he refused to let the owner see her dog after the attack.

The NSPCA was accompanied by the police to Modise’s property, where he admitted to violently beating the dog with a spade and a brick and further claimed the dog had died.

He attempted to conceal the dog from inspectors by stating it had already been buried.

Eventually, with the assistance of the SAPS, the NSPCA found the dog in a bush behind his property.

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When the shallow grave was dug up by inspectors, they made the shocking discovery that the dog was still alive but severely injured, covered in blood and in excruciating pain.

Given the extent of the injuries, the animal was humanely euthanised on site.

A case was then opened against Modise by the NSPCA.

Both Inspector Matome and Inspector Oageng remained dedicated to obtaining justice for the dog and pursued the case for two years.

Modise attempted to have the case withdrawn from court, claiming that he was trying to protect his goats from the dog, but NSPCA Inspector Matome fiercely defended the NSPCAs case to keep it in court.

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Magistrate Herbert Modiba, from the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court, found Modise guilty on all counts.

He was fined R1 000 for his crime and now has a criminal record.

The NSPCA had hoped that Modise would have faced direct imprisonment for his crimes.

He used a spade and a brick to beat the dog so violently that her eye popped out of its socket.

Then, knowing the dog was alive and in pain, intentionally inflicted further suffering by burying her alive.

These acts of violence by Modise can only be regarded as premeditated, inhumane and barbaric.

There should be no place in society for humans that display such aggression toward helpless victims.

Today it is our animals, tomorrow it will be our children, the NSPCA’s media statement read.