The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has arrested the self-proclaimed “King of Crocodile” after a deeply disturbing video surfaced on social media in January 2025, showing the suspect torturing a Nile crocodile.
The widely circulated TikTok video depicts the individual repeatedly kicking and beating the crocodile before striking it multiple times in the mouth with a slasher.
Upon being alerted to the video, the NSPCA immediately launched an investigation. After gathering substantial evidence, the team successfully located and identified the suspect in Duthuni, a village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo.
Following weeks of dedicated efforts, National Inspector White, with the invaluable assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Louis Trichardt SPCA, arrested the suspect today under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The individual was taken into police custody and will appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 February 2025.
The suspect faces charges under sections 2(1)(a), (f), (q), (r), and 2(2) of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 for animal cruelty, as well as additional charges under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
“The NSPCA reported on 29 January 2025 that we were tracking the suspect, and his arrest should serve as a powerful warning to anyone who engages in, records, and shares acts of animal cruelty,” stated Inspector White.
The NSPCA extends its sincere gratitude to the Thohoyandou Police Station and the Louis Trichardt SPCA for their invaluable support in bringing this individual to justice.
This arrest is a significant step in holding animal abusers accountable, particularly those who commit such heinous acts for social media notoriety. The NSPCA remains committed to ensuring that justice is served.
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