Investigations into a law enforcement officer from Mitchells Plain, who allegedly tried to stop an inspector from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA from carrying out his duties, continues.
The officer is accused of abusing his position in the City
of Cape Town to try and get an inspector to reveal the identity of a person who
reported him for not looking after his dog.
COURTESY: Cape of Good Hope SPCAThe SPCA says their inspectors arrived at the officer’s
home on Monday, 5 February, and confiscated his German Shepherd, following
several warnings to clean the dog’s living environment, which was full of dog
excrement, and to provide the dog with clean drinking water and adequate
shelter.
COURTESY: Cape of Good Hope SPCAThe owner denied the inspectors access to the premises,
which resulted in a court order being obtained from Mitchells Plain
Magistrate’s Court.
“On previous
inspections, the owner attempted to misuse his position as a law enforcement
officer to intimidate SPCA inspector Jeffery Mfini into giving him the details
of the complainant. The SPCA will under no circumstances divulge the details of
any complainant unless ordered to do so by a court – and this is highly
unlikely,’’ said Chief inspector, Jaco Pieterse.
“Legal precedents set by both the High Court and the
Supreme Court of Appeal have always upheld the protection of whistle-
blowers.
Animal cruelty can be reported with confidence.”
‘’In this matter, the owner’s actions not only violated the
Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 but also breached the City of Cape Town Animal
Keeping By-Law and Environmental Health By-Law. As a law enforcement officer,
the disregard for the law is saddening.
“Law Enforcement Officers have a responsibility to not only enforce the
law but also to uphold it themselves and set a positive example for the community. This owner was not only in contravention of
the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, but also the City of Cape Town Animal
Keeping By Law and Environmental Health By Law – Laws he should be well versed
in given his current status as a Law Enforcement Official” added Pieterse.
Pieterse says they have laid a formal complaint with Mayco
Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, about the officer’s conduct.
Smith confirms they are aware of the incident and says:
“I have referred the matter to the management team and
while I do not get involved in disciplinary processes, the officer could face a
charge for bringing the City into disrepute. Nobody is above the law.”
Done By: Mitchum George
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