Lansdowne police arrest suspected serial cat killer in Ottery

Lansdowne police have arrested an accused serial cat killer in Ottery.

A joint operation between SAPS and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA saw authorities nab the 29-year-old suspect inside his home in the informal settlement of Freedom Park in Ottery on Sunday. 

Authorities were told the man is responsible for the killing of five neighbourhood felines. 

The suspect is facing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday where the SPCA will be opposing bail.

This comes after authorities received a tip-off alleging the suspect has killed more than five cats over the past few months in the area.

Chief inspector of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Jaco Pieterse, said the matter is still under investigation and he can only share limited information at this stage.

"The incident occurred in Ottery. The Lansdowne SAPS contacted us after the owner of the cat went to the station to open a case," Pieterse said. 

"It is alleged that more than five cats have been killed over a few months, but we only know about the one incident.

“The cat was suffocated by means of a plastic bag over the head.

"A postmortem will be conducted and we await further results so that we can determine if the cat was also beaten as there was a lot of blood on the scene.

"The complainant identified the suspect, who was subsequently arrested and will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court [Tuesday]. The SPCA will be opposing bail."

Pieterse said no animal deserved to die that way. 

"There is no valid reason for any animal to be killed in a barbaric manner. There are humane ways to solve issues with animals that are perceived to be problematic."

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed the arrest.

“This office can confirm that a 29-year-old male residing in Freedom Park informal settlement in the Ottery area was arrested on Sunday June 1 at about 5pm at his residence.

"The arrest came after a whistle-blower reported that the suspect is killing cats and put them in the municipal dust bin.

"A case of animal cruelty was opened at Lansdowne SAPS for investigation. He will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court once charged.”

Cape Argus