Outrage as 'Dunoon puppy seller' escapes police custody

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has expressed outrage after a suspect widely known as the “Dunoon puppy seller”, escaped from police custody at the weekend. 

According to the organisation, Ncubeko Hloni was left alone in a bathroom that had no burglar bars, and escaped. 

Hloni was arrested earlier that day after attempting to sell puppies on Main Road in Green Point.

“Concerned members of the public noticed that the puppy he was carrying appeared lethargic and unwell and immediately intervened. When Hloni attempted to flee, a bystander managed to apprehend him before Green Point CID officers stepped in to detain him,” the SPCA said. 

“A second puppy was discovered inside Hloni’s backpack, which had been zipped closed with no ventilation. This puppy was also lethargic and in poor condition. Both animals were rushed to a private veterinarian by a compassionate member of the public. They have since been examined and are now safe in the care of the SPCA” 

Hloni was transported to Sea Point SAPS, where SPCA Inspectors were preparing to lodge criminal charges. 

“While being held in the station’s cells, Hloni requested to use the bathroom. A SAPS member escorted him but left him alone inside - despite the bathroom having a small, unsecured window with no burglar bars. Hloni escaped through that window and fled.” 

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse said: “I am deeply disappointed and frankly stunned by the sheer carelessness displayed by SAPS in this incident. How does one leave a suspect alone in a bathroom with no burglar bars? What if this was a murderer? We have been informed that this is the second escape from the same station in the past week - it is completely unacceptable.”

The SPCA said Hloni is no stranger to evading authorities and has an existing animal cruelty case at Table View SAPS.

The pending Table View case relates to a disturbing incident in which Hloni allegedly tied a rope around a rabbit’s neck and swung the animal into the air during peak traffic on Malibongwe Drive in Dunoon - an act that caused national outrage.

The SPCA is offering a R5 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of Hloni. 

Police spokesperson F.C Van Wyk said Sea Point police registered an escape from lawful custody case following the escape of a 30-year-old suspect on Saturday, at 9:20pm at Sea Point SAPS. 

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Police are following up all leads in a bid to re-arrest the suspect.”

Anyone with any information Hloni’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously, or contact the SPCA Inspectorate on 0217004158/9 or 0833261604.

Cape Times