Protesters amass at court for dog-fighting case

KNYSNA NEWS - Dog-fighting protesters were vociferous in their stance against this form of animal abuse outside the Knysna police station last week, when three men accused of this crime were due to appear in court.

The case against Sidina Mbhinqo (41), Jason Smit (19) and Tolani Honono (20) was however postponed to 4 March to resolve the bail application of one of the accused also known as Rasta.

Co-organiser of the march Debbie Olivier said culprits "should be locked away for a long time".

Kirsty Hofhuis, chairperson at Sedgefield Animal Matters (Sam) said, "With the court case up and running, it was pertinent that we have the march." She added that a petition with about 1 700 signatures was also handed to the senior control prosecutor.

Knysna Animal Welfare Society (Kaws) general manager Annelien Kietley encouraged community members to report any cases relating to animals and criminal activity so that they can be investigated and perpetrators brought to book. The outcome of the court appearance yesterday (4 March) was not yet available at the time of going to print.

A petition with about 1 700 signatures was handed to the senior control prosecutor.