Man Who Beat Crocodile on Camera Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has applauded the arrest of a man caught on camera abusing a Nile crocodile.

A viral video from January showed the individual repeatedly kicking and striking the crocodile, even hitting it in the mouth with a slasher.

Calling himself the ‘King of Crocodiles,’ the suspect was taken into custody on Thursday in a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the NSPCA.

NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock hailed the arrest as a critical move in holding animal abusers accountable, particularly those who harm animals for online attention.

Upon discovering the video, the NSPCA launched an investigation, gathering sufficient evidence to track down the suspect in Duthuni, a village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo. National Inspector White, alongside SAPS and the Louis Trichardt SPCA, carried out the arrest following weeks of investigation.

The man faces charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and remains in police custody. He is set to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 17, 2025.

The NSPCA expressed concern over the increasing trend of animal cruelty being filmed and shared online for entertainment. The organization urged South Africans to treat animals with kindness and respect.

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