Four sentenced in donkey horror case
Eight months in jail – justice for the 41 donkeys who suffered a horrific fate en route to Randfontein.
Four male foreign nationals were sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment each without the option of a fine after 41 donkeys were either killed or hurt while travelling from Limpopo on a truck, apparently en route to Randfontein.
Sougson Manasseh, Madhihwa Mjasha, Target Murima and Amoni Chirwa admitted guilt to criminal charges of cruelty to animals laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962. The men were travelling from Limpopo, apparently on their way to an abattoir in Randfontein, with 41 donkeys loaded on the truck. Adult males, females and foals were all in the same compartment with most of the animals in a state of collapse – crushed, dead or dying. Their vehicle was intercepted by personnel from the Polokwane SPCA in September last year. The severely injured animals were all euthanised to end their suffering.
The men were also sentenced to an additional two months’ imprisonment, to run concurrently with the other sentence, for residing illegally in South Africa. The sentence was handed down in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 October.
The NSPCA expressed horror at the manner in which the donkeys were handled and transported. Grace de Lange of the NSPCA said, “Tragically, this is not an isolated issue and the NSPCA continues to pursue leads to uncover and handle further instances of donkeys being stolen and abused in terms of transportation and general neglect. The donkeys are slaughtered in an unacceptable manner for the trade in donkey hide for Chinese traditional medicine.
“The NSPCA remains gravely concerned as the practice is widespread and growing. The NSPCA applauds the Magistrate and the State Prosecutor who acted swiftly and have been instrumental in ensuring justice was served.
“Public help is needed to enable the NSPCA to take action in cases of this kind. Anyone with information of any kind may contact us via farm@nspca.co.za. You may remain anonymous but the more information you are able to give, the more it will assist us to track down and bring to justice those involved in this despicable, horrendous and cruel trade.”
The NSPCA also asked the public to please support them financially. They ask caring people to go to www.nspca.co.za where there are donation options.
