Mozambican man to spend month in jail before being deported after Sea Point owl attack

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican man Gustigu Mthini for a violent attack on a protected Spotted Eagle Owl along the Sea Point Promenade, earlier this year.

In a shocking incident on February 16, Mthini was seen violently beating the owl with a stick in full view of horrified onlookers.

The act, which was captured on video, triggered public outrage and prompted a determined investigation led by the SPCA’s Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.

The owl later died from its injuries, with a postmortem revealing multiple fractures throughout its body.

“This is a victory for the animals we serve and protect, animal cruelty has no place in our society. We all have a moral and legal duty to protect our wild animals, and report acts of cruelty wherever they occur.

"This outcome sends a strong message that those who harm animals will be held accountable,” Pieterse said.

After initially evading arrest, Mthini was tracked down by Pieterse and the Sea Point CID, and arrested on February 22. He remained in custody for seven months until the conclusion of his trial.

In September, he was found guilty on all charges, which included animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act, illegal killing of a protected species under the Nature Conservation Ordinance, and contravention of immigration laws.

The court imposed fines and suspended prison terms for most charges, while ordering that Mthini serve one month in prison for his immigration violation before being deported to Mozambique.

Count 4, relating to a City of Cape Town Coastal By Law, was withdrawn by the State.

The SPCA extended its gratitude to the Sea Point CID and chairperson Jacques Weber for their steadfast assistance throughout the investigation and arrest.

Cape Times