A man has been arrested, following criminal charges laid by the NSPCA, after he allegedly attempted to kill a dog by throwing it off a bridge with weights tied around its neck. The accused, Mr Muzikayise Mhlongo, has since appeared in the Mtubatuba Magistrates’ Court in connection with the matter.
On 13 March 2026, a witness at the Siyabonga Tourism Centre observed a man holding a brown dog by a blue and white rope, kicking it, and throwing it from a bridge into the St Lucia Estuary below. A boat operator at the Siyabonga Jetty subsequently found the dog struggling to swim in the estuary. After pulling the animal to safety, she removed a heavy weight that had been tied around its neck.
The dog, subsequently named Siyabonga, was later taken in by a member of the public and taken for veterinary assessment. Clinical examination at the Hluhluwe State Veterinary Clinic confirmed physical injuries consistent with an impact to the head, as well as evidence of neglect, including a heavy parasite infestation, malnourishment, and behavioural signs consistent with prior trauma.
The NSPCA traced the vehicle to a suspect in the Mtubatuba area. During a visit to the suspect’s property, conducted with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the individual, identified as Mr Mhlongo, is reported to have admitted to throwing the dog off the bridge, alleging the animal had killed his chickens. He expressed no remorse for his actions.
Siyabonga has since received veterinary treatment, and has been vaccinated, and sterilised. He is currently in a place of safety, where he has been assessed by an NSPCA Inspector and found to be in improving condition.
Mr Mhlongo will now face charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act for this callous act of deliberate cruelty.
Cases of this nature, where an animal is subjected to deliberate, premeditated harm, represent some of the most serious crimes investigated by the NSPCA. This case was brought to the NSPCA’s attention through reports from multiple members of the public, whose timely intervention was decisive in preserving both the evidence and the animal’s life. Members of the public who witness suspected animal cruelty are urged to report it to the NSPCA on 011 907 3590 or at www.nspca.co.za.
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