Man bust for brutal attack on crocodile!

A MAN from Limpopo was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning, 14 February for allegedly attacking a Nile crocodile.

This follows investigations by the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA) after he was caught on camera attacking the animal.

The incident occurred on Saturday, 18 January in Duthuni village in the Tshivhasa region under the Vhembe district.

In the video that went viral, the suspect can be seen kicking the crocodile several times in the mouth while some residents screamed and cheered. The crocodile is believed to have come from a local dam.

Some residents from Duthuni were unaware their behaviour was criminal.

John Mulaudzi (47) said: We were not aware that someone could be arrested for attacking an animal. We didn't know our behaviour was a criminal offence."

NCSPCA spokesman Jacques Peacock stated they have identified the man and are compiling a docket.

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"Following weeks of dedicated efforts and assistance from Limpopo police and Louis Trichardt SPCA, we arrested the suspect on 14 February under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

"He also faces additional charges under the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act. The suspect will make his first court appearance on Monday, 17 February," said Peacock.

Peacock expressed concern over the growing number of animal cruelty cases.

"While crocodiles can be dangerous in water, they generally avoid people when on land. This crocodile posed no threat and did not deserve such treatment. In 2017, Nile crocodiles were listed as a vulnerable species by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

"It's clear from the video that no one feared for their safety; they were mere bystanders enjoying cruelty for entertainment. We are very concerned about the filming and sharing of these acts on social media. These acts are not acceptable in South Africa."