A man from Limpopo was arrested on Friday morning, 14 February, for allegedly attacking a Nile crocodile in an incident that has sparked outrage. The attack took place on 18 January in Duthuni village, Tshivhasa, in the Vhembe district. The man was captured on video repeatedly kicking the crocodile in the mouth while a crowd of onlookers cheered and screamed. The crocodile is believed to have come from a nearby dam, and the viral video raised concerns about animal cruelty.
Following an investigation by the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), the suspect was identified and arrested under the Animals Protection Act of 1962. He also faces additional charges under the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act. The suspect, 47-year-old John Mulaudzi, will appear in court on 17 February to answer to the charges.
NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock emphasized the growing problem of animal cruelty, noting that while crocodiles can be dangerous in water, they typically avoid humans on land. He expressed concern that the crocodile in the video was not a threat and did not deserve such treatment. “This is a vulnerable species, and acts like these only contribute to its decline,” said Peacock.
The NSPCA also raised concerns about the filming and sharing of such cruelty on social media. Peacock stressed that these actions are unacceptable in South Africa and urged the public to consider the ethical implications of such behavior. The incident has ignited a conversation about animal welfare and the need for stronger actions against cruelty.
