Woman Nearly Whipped While Rescuing Horse
Two Kaapse individuals have received the maximum penalty for animal cruelty after they brutally whipped their cart horse and threatened the woman who reported them.
Almost two years after a courageous woman witnessed the horse being viciously beaten on the streets of Rondebosch, justice has finally been achieved.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Mr. Taswell Solomons and Mr. Stanley Michaels appeared at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The charges stemmed from an incident on July 28, 2024, where a cart horse was repeatedly and mercilessly struck for not moving fast enough.
A woman, still in her pajamas, ran out of her home to confront the men on the street.
Instead of stopping, they attempted to flee, prompting her to chase them on foot through the streets of Rondebosch.
During the chase, it was reported that one of the men even tried to strike her with the whip.
However, she remained determined and alerted local security, leading to intervention from the South African Police Service and SPCA Inspectors.
Upon examination by SPCA Inspectors, the horse was found drenched after being forced to work in the rain, and its hooves were in poor condition, raising additional welfare issues.
The SPCA subsequently seized the horse, and criminal charges were filed against the offenders.
The State sought the maximum penalty permissible under the Animals Protection Act, despite the accused having no prior relevant convictions.
The presiding magistrate acknowledged the gravity of the offense and imposed the maximum sentence available: a fine of R40,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years, provided that neither defendant is convicted of another offense under the Animals Protection Act during that time.
To report instances of animal cruelty, please contact our 24/7 Inspectorate Control room at 021 700 4158/9, email [email protected], or send a WhatsApp message to 021 700 4140.