CAPE TOWN – A man was sentenced for forging qualifications to secure a position at the animal welfare.
A Cape Town man has been convicted and sentenced for fraudulently impersonating a qualified SPCA inspector after submitting forged documents to secure employment with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
Eric Victor du Preez was convicted on 27 October 2025 following a swift investigation that began in August when the SPCA discovered discrepancies in his application documents.
Elaborate fraud scheme uncovered
Dina-Mari Scholtz, Legal Affairs Director for the SAVC, confirmed the council was conducting its own investigation into Du Preez’s actions.
The case came to light when the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s vetting process revealed Du Preez had submitted falsified certificates and forged official signatures to support his application for an inspector position.
Investigations by both the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) confirmed Du Preez had no official registration or qualifications with the SAVC. He had never received official training nor certification from the NSPCA. The certificates he submitted were completely fabricated.
Serious implications for public safety
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, who led the investigation, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting and verification processes. The SPCA carries legal powers of search, seizure and arrest, and those powers can never be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. Mr du Preez’s actions were deliberate, deceptive and dangerous, but our team acted quickly to stop him before he could cause harm.”
The SPCA’s Inspectorate Department holds significant enforcement powers, making it crucial that all personnel are properly qualified and vetted.
Multiple criminal cases pending
The investigation revealed that Du Preez had multiple active fraud cases registered against him at several Cape Town police stations, raising concern about potential further criminal activity had he successfully secured the position.
Chief Inspector Pieterse stressed that the conviction sends a clear warning to others who may attempt similar deception: “This conviction sends a strong message: the integrity of animal-welfare enforcement will be protected.”
The case underscores the SPCA’s commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring those responsible for animal-welfare enforcement are properly qualified and trustworthy.
Ongoing investigations
The SPCA has encouraged anyone with information about animal cruelty cases potentially involving Du Preez to come forward. The organisation continues to work with various law-enforcement agencies to ensure all aspects of this case are thoroughly investigated.
This conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous background checks in organisations entrusted with significant legal powers and public responsibility.
