Following their arrest on fees of animal cruelty, Jamie Pieterse and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel appeared within the Wynberg Magistrates’ Courtroom on Thursday to use for bail.
After session between the State, their authorized consultant, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, bail was granted on the next strict circumstances:
• Bail set at R5 000 on account of him being a second-time offender.
• He should reside on the deal with offered to the court docket and should not change addresses and not using a formal utility to the court docket.
• He might not personal, be in possession or be in custody of any animal throughout the case, aside from two cats owned by his father.
• Bail set at R800.
• Topic to the identical circumstances as Accused 1.
Whereas there have been no authorized grounds for the State to oppose bail, the SPCA seen these circumstances as a essential safeguard to stop additional hurt to animals.
Any breach of those bail phrases might lead to bail being withdrawn and additional authorized penalties.
The case has been remanded till 3 September 2025 to permit the State to finish its investigation.
Regarding courtroom conduct
In accordance with the SPCA, throughout the court docket proceedings, the lawyer representing the accused performed himself in a extremely inappropriate and unethical method by instructing the daddy of the accused – in a courtroom stuffed with attendees – to “shoot them”, referring to the 2 cats in query.
No matter intent – even when stated in jest – this remark is deeply offensive, unethical, and completely incompatible with the tasks of a authorized practitioner.
Attorneys are held to an ordinary of integrity, ethics, and an obligation to uphold and respect the regulation. What was witnessed in the present day displays the precise reverse – a blatant disregard for animal welfare, the dignity of the judicial course of, and the ethical obligation entrusted to authorized professionals.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA can be referring a proper criticism to the Authorized Apply Council (LPC) for pressing investigation and acceptable disciplinary motion.
“Combating to your consumer is one factor. Advocating cruelty, disrespecting the court docket, and exhibiting contempt for the welfare of animals is completely unacceptable.” stated Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, who was current in court docket.
What occurred?
Jamie Pieterse – founding father of the so-called ‘K9 Patrol Pet Military’ – and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel have been arrested following a raid on a Kirstenhof property that uncovered appalling scenes of animal cruelty.
Pieterse tried to evade the regulation and was later arrested in Scarborough by the Metropolis of Cape City Visitors Providers.
Narcotics have been additionally present in his possession on the time of his arrest.
WARNING: The next video and pictures might upset delicate readers
Earlier that day, SPCA Inspectors – armed with a warrant obtained from the Wynberg Justice of the Peace’s Courtroom – accompanied by Kirstenhof SAPS, descended on the property.
Their entry was obstructed by co-accused Swanepoel, who stalled authorities for over seven minutes, claiming to not have the keys.
It was solely after she was warned of quick arrest that the gates have been lastly opened.
She was additional caught trying to untie one of many canine in a transparent effort to defeat the ends of justice earlier than SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse intervened.
What the SPCA crew found inside was harrowing.
Outdoors, 5 grownup canine have been discovered tethered to brief chains or ropes, with out entry to wash ingesting water.
Puppies have been confined to a small pen, whereas a canine was tied to a faucet. One other canine was discovered tethered inside a pen, its house so restricted that it may barely transfer.
As soon as inside the home, the stench was overpowering
Within the kitchen, a pitbull stood alone in filth. Within the toilet, three canine have been crammed in with piles of faeces, urine, and decaying garbage – and not using a drop of water.
One other three canine have been found locked in a separate room. Behind a urine-soaked sofa, one cat and three extra sick puppies have been uncovered in equally horrible circumstances, surrounded by faeces, urine, vomit, putrid water, and rotting meals.
However the horror didn’t finish there.
Outdoors, inspectors discovered plastic tubs of discoloured black-green water stuffed with koi and Nile Tilapia fish – a listed invasive species underneath the Nationwide Environmental Administration: Biodiversity Act. These have been being stored and not using a legitimate allow.
In complete, SPCA Inspectors rescued 13 canine, 8 puppies, 1 cat, and three tubs of fish from this home of horrors.
Each Pieterse and Swanepoel are actually dealing with a variety of significant fees, together with:
– And contravening environmental laws by unlawfully holding invasive alien species.
– A number of counts underneath the Animals Safety Act 71 of 1962, together with neglect, chaining and confining animals in merciless circumstances, denying entry to water, and failure to offer veterinary care;
– Obstruction of justice when it comes to Part 8(4) of the Animals Safety Act;
– Violations of the Metropolis of Cape City Animal Preserving By-law, for holding extreme numbers of unsterilised canine;
Each suspects have been arrested.
The animals are actually safely within the care of the SPCA the place they’re receiving pressing therapy and rehabilitation.
On Monday, 5 Might, the 2 suspects appeared within the Wynberg Magistrates’ Courtroom, following a weekend spent in police holding cells.
The matter was postponed till Thursday, 8 Might, at which period the accused are anticipated to formally apply for bail.
Each are being represented by a non-public lawyer.
The SPCA has confirmed will probably be opposing bail.
Repeat offender with a surprising previous
You will need to observe that that is not Jamie Pieterse’s first brush with the regulation.
In March 2025, the SPCA laid fees of animal cruelty in opposition to him after he tried to deal with a canine’s torn ear by gluing it again along with tremendous glue – with none ache reduction, sterilisation, or correct veterinary data.
Video footage confirmed the canine, named Pablo, yelping in ache as Pieterse and co restrained him and compelled his mouth shut throughout the botched “therapy.”
This disturbing footage, which clearly documented the canine’s struggling, was instrumental in securing fees underneath each the Animals Safety Act and the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, since Pieterse just isn’t registered to carry out veterinary procedures.
Inspector Jeffrey Mfini intervened in that case, eradicating the canine and putting him underneath SPCA care.
Pablo required practically a month of therapy to get better from the trauma and harm, however fortunately made a full restoration and was joyfully reunited along with his household.
This prior case serves as a warning. Whereas some people and teams might current themselves as animal saviours, their actions typically inform a really completely different story.
“What we uncovered is not only a case of neglect – it’s deliberate cruelty masked underneath the guise of animal rescue,” stated Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
“It’s heartbreaking to consider the ache these animals endured in silence. We is not going to permit false rescuers to take advantage of animals for private acquire or consideration. Justice can be pursued to the fullest extent of the regulation.”
The SPCA has as soon as once more urged the general public to be cautious. Earlier than donating or supporting any “rescue” group, ask questions, confirm credentials, and look past the picture. Good intentions don’t justify cruelty.
Do you suppose you’d KNOW if one thing like this was happening at your neighbours?
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