The Bulletin News – Page 122

Community assisted in locating rape suspect

Crime

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August 24, 2021

Community assisted in locating rape suspect

PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER APPLAUDS THE COMMUNITY’S ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING A RAPE SUSPECT

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has applauded members of the public for providing information that assisted in locating a 29-year-old man who had evaded police for years, in connection with rape cases that occurred between 2010 and 2019.

According to the information at police disposal, on 25 September 2010, a 32-year-old woman was with her male friend at Kwaggafontein C when they were approached by two armed male suspects who allegedly assaulted the male friend and robbed them of their personal items. They (suspects) then dragged the woman to the nearby bushes and gang-raped her before they fled the scene. The matter was reported to the police at Kwaggafontein where a case was opened and a manhunt launched for the suspects.

In another incident that occurred on 07 August 2011 at around 02h00 am, it is said that a woman was with a friend and they were both coming back from a traditional ceremony at Kwaggafontein A when a suspect attacked them. The friend is said to have managed to escape but the 22-year-old woman was unlucky. She was allegedly raped by the suspect who also stabbed her before he threw her into a reservoir and fled. The victim managed to swim out of the reservoir and sought help. This incident too was reported to the police at Kwaggafontein where a rape case was opened with an additional charge of attempted murder. A manhunt was also launched for the suspect.

Also read: Man (30) arrested for statutory Rape

On 01 June 2012 at about 23h50 it is said that two girls were on their way home at Kwaggafontein C when an armed man suddenly appeared and held them at gunpoint. One of the girls managed to flee whilst the other girl, aged 17 was held hostage by the suspect. She was unfortunately dragged by the suspect to a nearby bush and raped. This incident was reported to police at Kwaggafontein as well and a case was opened accordingly.

Reports further indicate that on 03 May 2019 at about 20h00 a suspect pounced on two girls at their place of residence in Kwaggafontein C. One of the girls escaped whilst the other, aged 15 was raped by the suspect who then fled the scene after the incident. Police at Kwaggafontein were also informed about the incident and a case was opened.

The said cases were assigned to an investigation team from Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) at Kwamhlanga. The astute members worked tirelessly and through the information provided by members of the public, the suspect was finally arrested at Kwaggafontein on Thursday, 19 August 2021. He made his first appearance at the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 August 2021 where he was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear again on 26 August 2021.

Find contact details of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) HERE

The Provincial Commissioner, further indicated that the breakthrough occurred during women’s month and such efforts indicate that the SAPS is determined to squeeze the space for perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence. She also promised the public that the information that they provided will surely be used to achieve the ultimate goal of creating a safe environment for citizens, including the vulnerable groups.

Man (30) arrested for statutory Rape

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 23, 2021

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30-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR STATUTORY RAPE

Police in Bethal arrested a 30-year-old man for statutory rape after he had a sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. The arrest came after the family member went through the girl’s phone and found the conversation between her and the man.

The family member, who is the uncle to the victim then had a talk with the girl and the girl confessed that she is having an affair with the man. She said that the man sent her a message after he saw her pictures on social media later in 2020.

The uncle further went through the conversation and found a text from the man asking the girl about the next date to have sexual contact. He(Uncle) asked the girl about the relationship with the man and she said they’ve been dating since 2020 and had sexual intercourse while she was 13(Thirteen) years to recent.

Constable Thomas Mogadime, the communications and social crime prevention officer at Bethal Police Station outlined statutory rape as a crime that involves sexual contact with a person who is under an age specified by law, commonly referred to as the “age of consent.”

The legal term for the crime varies from state to state and includes sexual intercourse with a minor, sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual penetration of a minor or a child under a certain age, and sexual abuse of a minor.

Under statutory rape laws, a person who has sex with a person under a certain age known as “the age of consent” risks criminal charges and a jail or prison sentence, even if the younger person is a willing partner and neither partner is an adult.

Statutory rape laws are meant to protect children and teenagers from predatory adults. The crime of statutory rape has been controversial because, historically, it has been applied primarily or exclusively to relationships where the female is underage. In addition, strict statutory rape laws did and do not take into account relationships between young people who are close in age but where one (or both) persons is under the age of consent.

SAPS Bethal’s contact details can be found HERE

For example, if the age of consent in a state is 17, a boy who is 17 or 18 can be charged with statutory rape for having sexual contact or intercourse with his 16-year-old girlfriend. If the age of consent in a state is 16 and a boy turns 16 on August 15 but his girlfriend turns 16 on August 30, the boy can be charged with statutory rape if he and his girlfriend begin having sex between August 1 and August 30 because the young woman is not yet 16. Similarly, two young people under the age of consent can each be charged with statutory rape for having sex with one another if state law has no exceptions for sex or sexual contact between two young people.

Also read: Saps arrested nearly 30 suspects after Middelburg protests

Constable Mogadime encourages teenagers to focus on their studies and refrain from things that will destroy their future. And He further warns the older men that having an affair or sexual act with a teenager can lead to them being arrested for statutory rape and could face a prison sentence. “Teenage girls are not women, statutory rape must end!” concluded Constable Mogadime.

The following description on Statutory rape comes from Choma

What is Statutory Rape?

Statutory rape can often be a confusing term chomas, and maybe it’s because it isn’t spoken about often. Do you know what the age of consent is? In other words, do you know at what age someone younger is legally allowed to have sex with another person?

For a long time in South Africa the legal age of consent has been 16 years old. Recently things have changed a bit where the law was revised for teenagers. As of this year, the legal age of consent between teenagers is 12. Remember that this ONLY applies to relationships between young teenagers.

Here’s an example of how it works:

A person aged 12 can consent to sex with someone who is 14 years old, but not someone who is 16 and older. So if two minors (over the age of 12 and under the age of 16) consent to sex, then in the eyes of the law this would not be considered statutory rape.

The official age of consent, however, is still 16. This means that adults (in South Africa, an adult is someone over the age of 18) cannot have sex with minors (12, 13, 14 and 15).

Statutory rape then is a form of rape that occurs when someone older than 16 has a sexual relationship with a minor. A teenager below the age of 16 having sex with someone who is below the age of 12 can also be charged with statutory rape.

What can I do if I’m younger than 16 and in a relationship with an older person?

Remember that that person you’re dating can be charged for statutory rape and face time in jail. If you’re in the relationship like this and either feel like you’re forced into it or feel like you don’t know how to get out, then you should speak to someone you trust, preferably an adult. You should also contact an authority figure who can help you out of the situation.

You can call these numbers for help and counselling:

Lifeline – 0861 322 322 Childline – 08000 55 555

Teddy Bear Clinic – 011 484 4554 SAPS (South African Police Services) – 012 393 1000

SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences – 012 393 2014

If you need more information chomas or if you need to talk, remember that you can Ask Choma.

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 22 August 2021

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 22, 2021

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Welcome to the Secunda Reformed Church morning service, 22 August 2021

“The secret to a life of victory” by Anton Knoetze

Secunda Reformed Chruch Morning Service 22 August 2021

Romans 6: 1-14

6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

²God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

³Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Also read: Secunda Reformed Church morning service 15 August 2021

⁵For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

⁶Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

⁷For he that is dead is freed from sin.

⁸Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

⁹Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

¹⁰For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

¹¹Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

¹²Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

¹³Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

¹⁴For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 22 Augustus 2021

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 22, 2021

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Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens van 22 Augustus 2021

VAnoggend se tema: Die lewe van elke dag

Kruik se oggenddiens 22 Aaugustus 2021

Die lewe van elke dag… wat is dit wat die Here jou na nooi in die hier en nou van jou lewe? Hoe kan jy saam God werk in jou elke dag lewe?

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 15 Augustus 2021

Preeknotas + besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48750780

Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 maniere:

1.Gee Aanlyn (Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016)

2.Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za

Geniet die diens saam ons! Kruik CCLI lisensie nr: #573361

Daar Is Niemand Soos U S. Jansen van Veuren ©️ 2009 MAR Gospel Music Publishers CCLI#573661

Ek Weet U Is Lief Vir My S. Smith ©️ 2006 MAR Gospel Music Publishers CCLI#573661

Saps arrested nearly 30 suspects after Middelburg protests

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 21, 2021

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Saps arrested nearly 30 suspects after Middelburg protests

Nearly 30 suspects arrested for Middelburg unrests

The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), Vusi Shongwe praised the police for the efforts they made in dealing with violent service delivery protests that erupted in several parts of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality recently.

So far the police have arrested about 28 suspects linked to violence that characterised these demonstrations since Wednesday. The arrested suspects were charged with public violence and contravention of the Disaster Management Act. They are expected to appear in court soon and more arrests are imminent.

Thursday the N4 toll and N11 roads in Middelburg were closed temporarily by the protesters. Several vehicles including a truck, a bus and a minibus were torched. Several roads coming in and of the surrounding townships were barricaded with burning objects and stones. Some shops owned by foreign nationals were also looted.

The residents are reportedly complaining about the recent increases in rates and taxes by the Municipality.

The MEC along with the SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, visited the area Friday.

They were briefed on the progress the police made in curbing violence. Shongwe applauded the security agencies for urgently bringing the situation under control.

The MEC decried the violent protests and the destruction of private property.

He added that he is satisfied that there was an urgent council sitting that took place today to resolve the impasse between the Municipality and the residents.

Also read: Suspect to appear, Saps manhunt for 2 more

“This is one of the best-run municipalities because, for many years, it has produced Clean Audit Reports. Therefore we must do everything to protect it,” says the MEC.

“It is unfortunate what happened here. People have a right to protest but it must be done within the ambit of the law. We should not allow criminality to find its way during the protests,” says Shongwe.

Suspect to appear, Saps manhunt for 2 more

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 19, 2021

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Suspect to appear, Saps manhunt for 2 more

SUSPECT IS DUE TO APPEAR BEFORE COURT FOR BUSINESS ROBBERY, POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION MEANWHILE A MANHUNT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED FOR TWO OTHER SUSPECTS

NELSPRUIT – A 36-year-old man is due to appear before the Amersfoort Magistrate’s Court on allegations of business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Meanwhile, members of the South African Police Service in Amersfoort have launched a manhunt for two remaining suspects, in connection with a business robbery that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 18 August 2021 at Amersfoort.

According to information reported, police received information about a business robbery in progress at a certain shop, at Zamokuhle location, they were joined by another police officer who was off duty at the time. This member resides around the area and was also alerted about the incident.

Upon arrival they found three suspects, two were on the roof where they (suspects) allegedly gained entry and the other one was still inside the shop. The two on the roof fled when they spotted the police while the remaining suspect reportedly came out from the shop in possession of a firearm in his hand. A shooting then ensued where the suspect was shot and injured. The members further seized the said firearm and ammunition. The suspect was taken to the hospital and is currently under police guard. The court appearance has been set for 02 September 2021. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the incident.

Also read: Attack on Police Officers – Suspect remanded in Custody

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of one suspect as well as the confiscation of the firearm and ammunition. The General further ordered that the outstanding suspects be swiftly brought to book.

Police urge anyone with information that may assist them in arresting the other two suspects who are still at large, to contact Detective Sergeant Siphiwe Ndlovu at 072 638 1465 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Vaccinate at Mediclinic Highveld

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 19, 2021

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MEDICLINIC HIGHVELD CALLS COMMUNITY TO VACCINATE

Mediclinic Highveld is now operating a COVID-19 vaccination centre, providing access for any eligible member of the public who still needs to be vaccinated.

The vaccination centre is operating on an appointment basis, to ensure that those allocated to our facilities by the EVDS system are prioritised and that there is sufficient stock for these individuals. Limited walk-ins will be accepted where EVDS vaccination appointments have not been met. The vaccination centre will operate Monday-Friday, between 08:00 -17:00 and will be offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As this pandemic continues to progress throughout South Africa, Mediclinic would strongly emphasise the need for the public to protect their own health and the health of others by being vaccinated against COVID-19. Once you are eligible, register yourself for the vaccination and then go to be vaccinated. Vaccination protects against becoming severely ill from the virus, as well as reducing the risk of death. We ask community members to please assist others who need help with registering.

For more information visit Mediclinic Highveld page on the Mediclinic.co.za website:

Mediclinic is proud to play a part in the public phase of the roll-out as well as completing the vaccination of our own healthcare workers.

Get your vaccine today – it is #OurBestShot at a healthier future!

Attack on Police Officers – Suspect remanded in Custody

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 18, 2021

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Attack on Police Officers – Suspect remanded in Custody

SUSPECT REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR AN ATTACK ON POLICE OFFICERS

MPUMALANGA – Hezekiel Knowledge Mngono (27) was remanded in custody by the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 August 2021 after he was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga and Crime Intelligence for murder and attempted murder of police officers on 15 August 2021.

Two police officers were shot while conducting their duties when they unknowingly drove onto a business burglary incident on Monday, 9 August 2021 at Block C in Tonga near Komatipoort. It is alleged that upon noticing the police vehicle, the suspects opened fire and a shootout ensued. Two police constables aged 38 and 42 sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Constable Amos Themba (42) succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Also read: Suspects sought for shooting police officers

An intelligence-driven operation was conducted which led to the tracing of the suspect’s whereabouts where he was arrested. The case was postponed to 24 August 2021 for further investigation.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena strongly condemned the attack on members in blue. “An attack on police is an attack on the State. We will leave no stone unturned and we will ensure that the remaining suspects are apprehended so that they will face the full might of the law,” said General Mokoena.

Police are urging anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects to contact the investigating officers, Lieutenant Colonel Erhard Stroh on ‪‪082 300 8315‬ or Warrant Officer Mduduzi Motubatse on ‪‪072 195 0185‬ or call the Crime Stop number at ‪‪0860010111‬. Alternatively, information can be sent via MySAPSapp and all the information will be treated with confidentiality.

So is die Lewe: Eensaamheid vermink jou menswees.

Columnist

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 18, 2021

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So is die Lewe: Eensaamheid vermink jou menswees.

Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.

Dit is surrealisties: Kaapstad was berug vir sy druk verkeer in spitstye. Verkeersverslae oor die radio het gereeld gewaarsku dat opeenhopings pendelaars ure kan vertraag. Maar skielik, nou in Covid se verwoestingstog hier in die Kaap, is jou motor om 17:00 die enigste voertuig by die groot interseksie in Adderleystraat. Geboue om jou staan toe-oog en luister na die niksheid van die laatmiddag, na die leë strate, die afwesige karre, die stilte van blêrende toeters.

Die lughawe lyk soos ‘n verlate Wilde-Weste dorpie waar net die geboue agtergebly het, en die mense almal weg is. Daar waar toue reisigers met tasse moes staan, is nou net gespande toue en onbemande toonbanke. Die oorheersende gevoel is eensaamheid.

Ek lees toe bietjie op oor die gevolge van eensaamheid. Kollektiewe eensaamheid, soos die kantoorwerkers van ‘n bepaalde gebou wat nou vanaf die huis werk, en persoonlike eensaamheid is nou ter sprake. Dit is chronies, en dit skep ‘n wesenlike gesondheidsgevaar, sowel psigies as fisies. Dis mos logies, vanselfsprekend, dat abnormale tye abnormale gevolge in mense se lewens kan hê, dink ek toe by myself.

Maar die navorsingsprojek waaroor verslag gedoen word in die artikel wat ek lees, beskryf chroniese eensaamheid as die afwesigheid van betekenisvolle verhoudings met ander, nou ook aangevuur deur die vrees dat die onsigbare virus jou sal betrek as jy enige kontak met mense het, en jou lewe sal neem soos diè van ‘n klomp mense s’n wat jy geken het.

Dit is eintlik ‘n benoudende gedagte: eensaamheid in die vorm van sosiale en emosionele isolasie wat aanhou en aanhou los sy merke op jou menswees. Dis anders as om nou en dan ‘n bietjie alleen en verstote, selfs verlore te voel.

Skrywers en digters sê dit soos dit is. Soos Joseph Conrad: “Who knows what true loneliness is – not the conventional word, but the naked terror?” En Hendrik Maarsman roep uit: “Ek staan alleen / geen / God of mense wat my bestaan betrek in ‘n besielde verband…” Martinus Nijhoff skryf in die gedig De eenzame: “Die maanlig sing my bloed tot danse wakker. / En as ek dans, dans my skaduwee met my – / Skaduwee, my skaduwee, my enigste maker: / Ons dans – kyk, ek is niks meer as jy..”

Martinus Nijhoff – Documentaire

Sulke isolasie is pynlik. Dit maak seer. Want as jy jouself nie meer as Dasein beleef, in Heideggeriaanse terme nie, maar as ‘n blote skaduwee, is jou totale eksistensie verwater tot blote skaduwee-wees. Iets sonder substansie. ‘n Skaduwee word nie aangeraak nie, word nie geag nie, word nie gehoor nie, word nie in die oë gekyk nie. ‘n Skaduwee maak geen verskil nie, is vlietend, dra nie gesag nie, word maklik verstoot. Dit is jy alleen in die skimme van die maan se halflig sonder die witvuurlig van menslike teenwoordigheid, skryf Wilhelm Jordaan.

Lees ook: So is die Lewe: Ek is gelukkig ryk.

Om van sulke intense angs en isolasie te ontsnap, doen mense soms die vreemdste goed. Soos om met byna besete ywer sosiale kontak te soek: Kyk na my, vat aan my, hoor, luister na my! Soos in vele futiele debatte op facebook. Of soos om in die leë winkelsentrums rond te loop, en met wanhoopsoë te kyk na ander eensames wat hulleself doelloos voortsleep. Kerke, waar mense vroeër kon gaan warmte en medelye soek het, het een van die groot slagoffers geword van Covid. Selgroepe, Bybelstudies en sosiale byeenkomstes bestaan nie meer nie. Selfs eredienste word op verskeie plekke afgestel en vervang deur koue, onpersoonlike tegnologie soos Youtube.

Die ironie is dat sulke sosiale samesyn eensaamheid kan verdiep in die vorm van emosionele isolasie, ‘n bevestiging word van ‘n ingrypende en verlammende eensaamheid. Emosionele isolasie is dikwels die bose hart van eensaamheid; juis omdat jy nie tuis voel met jouself nie. Jy word vir jouself ‘n onbekende. Jy weet nie meer wie jy werklik is nie, en wat jy wel van jouself vermoed, is nie noodwendig korrek nie, omdat ander nie daar is om jouself mee te deel nie, so word dit wat jy van jouself dink, tergelykertyd min en gevaarlik.

Bloot omdat daar niemand is om dit mee te deel, en sodoende jou perspektiewe realisties te hou nie. Dit kan helaas ook gebeur in ‘n huwelik, of na aftrede, of wanneer jy verhuis na ‘n vreemde omgewing.

Eensaamheid gaan nie soseer oor ‘n gemis aan ander nie, maar eerstens oor ‘n gemis van jouself. Soos die Afrika-ubuntu filosofie ons leer: “’n mens is mens deur ander mense.” Ek is geisoleerd van wat ek kan en wil wees sonder mense naby aan my. Ek kan slegs dit wees deur ander mense se betrokkenheid in my lewe; liefdevol, met deernis, begrip, humor, stimulerende gespreksgenoot, ‘n waardetoevoeger tot ander se lewens. As jy vir die soveelste keer alleen na jou gesig in die spieël staar, word daar weereens ‘n deeltjie van jou menswees geamputeer.

“Loneliness is such a waste of time,” sing die Staccatos in Cry to me.

ANIMALS 101 – UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL CRUELTY.

Community news

Ancois van Zyl

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August 18, 2021

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ANIMALS 101 – UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL CRUELTY.

ANIMALS 101 – WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND CRUELTY TO ANIMALS BETTER, YOU CAN HELP US ADDRESS THE PROBLEM MORE EFFECTIVELY.

Animals do not have a voice, so we need to be their voices! When was the last time you heard of anyone tuning themselves in for animal abuse? It just doesn’t happen often, if at all.

Preventing animal cruelty is in all of our best interests. Animal cruelty is not only despicable in its own right, but it is often a gateway crime to violence against adults and children. Studies show that children who witness animal abuse are at a greater risk of becoming animal abusers themselves.

We follow the 5 (6) freedoms of animal welfare:

FREEDOM FROM HUNGER & THIRST
FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY, DISEASE
FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT
FREEDOM FROM FEAR & DISTRESS
FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NATURAL BEHAVIOURS

OUR HOPE FOR ALL WILDLIFE, TO BE FREE

We are committed to breaking the cycle and to help us stop animal cruelty, you need to understand the problem or how you might be contributing, recognize the signs, report it and help educate others to prevent it.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

If you do not work in animal welfare or know someone who does, you probably know very little about what is really going on. What you might see on Facebook and social media is not even the tip of the iceberg. Our hearts break every day for the hurt that is out there. It can be prevented!

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMAL WELFARE.

A few facts about animal abuse:

The abuse of pets and animal companions is a daily occurrence.
Many animals suffer multiple forms of abuse, with the most common type of abuse being neglect and abandonment.
Cases of animal abuse include neglect, shooting, stabbing, fighting, beating, mutilation, torture, strangulation, rape, cannibalism, burning and poisoning.
Most animal abuse is never reported.
Dogs and cats are the most common victims, but abuse happens among other animal species, including domestic farm animals, wild animals, small pets, birds etc.
Although there are bad people, ANIMAL OVERPOPULATION is a massive problem, especially with cats and dogs . If there were less animals, with enough “good homes”, less animals can land in the wrong hands for abuse.
WHY is there an OVERPOPULATION CRISIS? Because people don’t sterilize their pets, they support breeders and give or sell them to anyone. When animals end in the wrong hands , they pay the ultimate price. There are animal dealers, who easily fool the untrained individual. Do you want to take that risk with the life of a sentient being?
This needs to be addressed through education, sterilization campaigns and stricter breeding regulations. We will rather see a breed go extinct than let them endure the suffering.

**This also goes for breeders and pet shops too!**

UNKNOWINGLY YOU CAN BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROBLEM.

• Breed – there’s no such thing as responsible breeding when we have a massive overpopulation crisis!

• Support breeders (registered or backyard)

• Support pet shops that sell animals

• Support Aquariums

• Support Zoos

• Support Petting farms

• Support wild animal interaction (e.g. rides)

• Support Circuses with animals

• Support unethical hunting practices

• Do not sterilize your pets

• Do not keep them safe

• Let them roam the streets (including cats)

• Support irresponsible organizations

• Do not report cruelty

• Abandon/abuse/neglect any animal

• Give animals away for free

• Use products tested on animals

• Support “free to good home” ads

• Not planning for your pets when you immigrate

• …..the list goes on!

It is easy to unknowingly contribute to the problem.

Next week we will look at how you can recognize the signs of cruelty!

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!