The man dubbed “Dunoon puppy seller”, is back in custody after he escaped from police custody at Sea Point police station on Saturday. Bush Radio News previously reported that Ncubeko Hloni fled detention after being left alone to use the station’s bathroom where he escaped through an unsecured window.
His escape occurred shortly after he was detained for an
incident in which two compromised puppies (including one zipped up in his
backpack) he was attempting to sell, were rescued from his possession and
placed under veterinary care.
PICTURED: Ncubeko Hloni (Courtesy - Cape of Good Hope SPCA)The Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham,
said Dunoon residents recognised Hloni on Tuesday morning and acted
immediately. They contained him and alerted the SPCA.
‘’The SPCA issued an urgent call for information, supported
by a R5 000 reward. The appeal spread rapidly across social media and was
amplified by local media coverage’’
‘’Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse mobilised the City’s Law
Enforcement Animal Control Unit along with local security groups. On arrival,
the team secured Hloni in handcuffs. Table View SAPS arrived shortly thereafter
and took him into custody.’’
‘’Hloni, true to form continued to give the authorities the
run around by directing officers to several locations where he claimed animals
were being kept. All his claims were false and no animals were found at any of
the locations inspected by SAPS and the SPCA. He has now been transported back
to Sea Point SAPS for processing,’’ said Abraham.
Hloni now faces charges of animal cruelty, contraventions
of the Animal Keeping By-Law and escaping lawful police custody.
‘’His arrest also enables renewed progress on an
outstanding Table View case in which Hloni tied a rope around a rabbit’s neck
and swung the animal in full view of rush-hour traffic. He was arrested at the
time but disappeared after being granted bail,’’ said Abraham.
Pieterse says the actions of Dunoon residents demonstrate a
rising civic readiness to intervene when vulnerable animals are at risk.
“This city pays attention. People may attempt to slip
through gaps in the system, but there is no hiding from a community that
refuses to look away. Animal-loving Capetonians acted with remarkable resolve.
Their vigilance brought this suspect back into custody and we are incredibly
grateful to them.” said Chief Inspector Pieterse.
Reports of suspected cruelty can be directed to the SPCA
Inspectorate on 0217004158 or 0833261604 anytime of the day or night.
Done by: Mitchum George
Comments