Key points in this article:
- SAPS Officer Allegedly Pepper-Sprays Dog in Schuinshoogte Dispute
- Schuinshoogte Child Allegedly Threatened with Arrest for Filming Police Misconduct
- SPCA Confirms Cruelty Complaint Against SAPS Officer
- SAPS Launches Investigation Into Officer’s Conduct Amid Public Outcry
A KwaZulu-Natal police officer has come under intense scrutiny following an incident in Schuinshoogte, Newcastle.
She verbally berated and threatened a resident, unleashed pepper spray on his dog, and warned his nine-year-old daughter of arrest for capturing the chaos at their family home.
In a conversation with Newcastillian News, the resident, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed how a seemingly routine dispute with his landlord spiralled into an ordeal, compelling him and his family to pursue justice.
The episode unfolded on Monday, 17 February 2025. The resident elaborated, “It was initially a personal matter, as my family and I rent from the police officer’s grandmother. We had pressing issues that required her intervention with the Newcastle Municipality, especially since we were without electricity despite having paid our monthly bill.”
With negotiations between landlord and tenants hitting a deadlock, the situation escalated when the landlord enlisted her granddaughter’s help
“She pepper-sprayed my dog with SAPS-issued spray, which fell from her pocket. I managed to swiftly recover it, enabling me to present it as evidence when I lodged a complaint at the Newcastle SAPS,” he detailed. He said he further refuted her claim of being bitten, asserting his dog was securely within their yard, beyond the officer’s reach.
The confrontation then devolved into a heated exchange, with the officer shouting, “I want you out of this f*&%! house!”
Amidst this turmoil, the resident’s young daughter showed remarkable courage by filming the incident, securing video evidence, part of which is now with Newcastillian News. “Upon noticing my daughter recording, the officer shockingly threatened to arrest her for documenting the incident,” the resident shared.
Post-incident, the family had to manage the aftermath: a pet in distress from the pepper spray needing medical attention, and a child left intimidated by the threat of arrest.
“I reached out to the Newcastle SPCA and sought veterinary care for my dog. Although he’s recovering, this incident was entirely avoidable and not reflective of the conduct expected from law enforcement,” the resident stated with frustration.
Jenavieve Tinkler of the Newcastle SPCA, while cautious about providing specifics, confirmed the initiation of a cruelty complaint against the officer for the use of pepper spray on an animal.
An insider from the SAPS further verified that the officer in question serves as a Constable at Madadeni Police Station.
When Newcastillian News sought comment from Amajuba District SAPS, overseeing Madadeni, spokesperson Constable Nonjabulo Langa indicated that due to the active investigation, she could not provide comments until the investigations came to an end.
Now, with the officer under formal review for her actions towards a local family, allegedly acting on behalf of her grandmother, what are your thoughts on this matter?
Share your perspectives in the comment section below.
Comments 2
They think a badge gives them the right to over power civilians
Is there any evidence from spca confirm by the Vet that the dog was really pepper sprayed?if it is,case my be opened or evidence as the child was filming…one side of the story is not enough