The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has confirmed the re-arrest of Ncubeko Hloni, the man accused of repeated acts of animal cruelty, after he escaped from Sea Point Police Station over the weekend and triggered a widespread public search.
He fled custody on Saturday evening (29 November) after being left alone in the police station’s bathroom, where he escaped through an unsecured window. His initial detention followed an incident in Green Point, where he was found in possession of two compromised puppies, one zipped inside his backpack with no ventilation. Both puppies were removed from him, treated by a veterinarian and placed in the SPCA’s care.
Public appeal and reward lead to breakthrough
Following his escape, the SPCA issued an urgent appeal for information, supported by a R5 000 reward. The appeal quickly spread across Cape Town, fuelled by social-media shares and media coverage.
Early on Monday morning Dunoon residents recognised the fugitive and immediately intervened. They contained him and alerted the SPCA.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse responded with the City’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit and local security partners. Hloni was secured on the scene, after which Table View police officers arrived and formally took him back into custody. He was transported to Sea Point Police Station for processing.
Hloni then attempted to mislead officers, directing them to several locations where he claimed more animals were being kept. All the supposed locations were false, and inspections by the police and the SPCA found no animals.
He now faces charges of animal cruelty, contraventions of the City’s Animal Keeping Bylaw and escaping lawful police custody. His arrest also allows renewed progress on an outstanding Table View case in which he allegedly swung a rabbit by a rope around its neck in peak traffic, an incident captured on video and widely condemned.
SPCA commends community for swift action
“Cape Town residents once again proved that cruelty will not go unnoticed or unchallenged,” said Belinda Abraham, Communications Manager for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “The public’s vigilance and willingness to act ensured that this suspect was returned to custody. We are deeply grateful to every person who shared our alert, responded to our call for information, or helped prevent further harm to animals.”
Provincial police spokesperson, Capt FC van Wyk, confirmed that Sea Point police registered an escape from lawful custody case.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” he said.
SPCA urges public to report cruelty
The SPCA thanked Dunoon residents, the police, security responders and the City’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit for their support.
Reports of suspected cruelty can be made to the SPCA Inspectorate at 021 700 4158 or 083 326 1604 (24/7). Criminal information can be reported anonymously to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via MySAPS.
