Homeless man arrested for brutal killing of OWL on Sea Point Promenade

In an horrific incident last week on the Sea Point Promenade, a Spotted Eagle Owl was killed in a brutal act of violence. 

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Animal enthusiasts enjoying a sunset walk witnessed the owl gracefully land on the promenade barrier at Sunset Beach.

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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.

Perpetrator was apprehended

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 post-mortem, the results of which confirmed the brutal impact of the attack.

Through relentless efforts, and with the help of the Sea Point CID, the perpetrator was apprehended on 22 February 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 extended 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 incident once again serves as a call to action to stand united against wildlife cruelty and to 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.

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