In a horrific incident on the evening of 16 February 2025, at the Sea Point Promenade, a majestic Spotted Eagle Owl fell victim to a brutal act of violence.
Animal enthusiasts enjoying a sunset walk witnessed the owl gracefully land on the promenade barrier at Sunset beach. The serene moment quickly turned tragic when a homeless man emerged from the shadows with a stick in his hand, mercilessly beating the owl to death in front of horrified onlookers.
The violence was captured on video, with audible screams from witnesses attempting to intervene. Sadly, the owl succumbed to its injuries, almost every bone in its body nearly shattered from the severity of the attack. This barbaric act not only ended the life of a protected species but also left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse was notified of the incident after the witness posted about in on Facebook, and his swift action led to the speedy gathering of evidence, including affidavits from witnesses and the video footage. The owl’s remains were collected and sent for a postmortem, the results of which confirm the brutal impact of the attack.
Through relentless efforts, and with the help of the Sea Point CID, the perpetrator was finally apprehended on 22 February 2025 and arrested. The suspect was handed over to the Sea Point SAPS where Chief Inspector Pieterse submitted a complete docket and opened criminal charges.
Chief Inspector Pieterse, deeply moved by the incident, stated, “This heinous act is a stark reminder of the crucial role we play in safeguarding our wildlife. It is our societal duty to protect these innocent creatures and ensure that such cruelty is met with justice. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any form of animal abuse.“
The suspect faces charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 for the illegal killing of a protected species.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA extends its gratitude to Sea Point CID Chairperson Jacques Weber and his team for their unwavering support, as well as the Sea Point SAPS for their cooperation in securing the arrest.
This devastating incident serves as a call to action: we must stand united against wildlife cruelty and protect our natural heritage. Anyone with information about animal abuse is urged to contact the SPCA at 021 700 4158/9 or report cases via email at inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za.
