The SPCA has strongly condemned a decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) not to take action against Julius Malema over a disturbing video of him slaughtering a cow with a blunt knife.
In 2023, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) courted controversy at the party’s ceremonial slaughter event. The incident occurred days before the EFF’s 10th birthday celebrations at the FNB Stadium.
NPA WON’T PROSECUTE MALEMA – HERE’S WHY…
This week, the NPA confirmed that it would not be prosecuting Julius Malema over a viral video of him slaughtering a cow with a small knife that failed to kill the animal quickly.
According to the authority, the NPA stated that “the prosecution will not be in a position to adduce sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt” that the video contravened the Animal Protection Act.
It also cited the “authenticity” of the video footage as a concern.
In July 2023, Julius Malema participated in the EFF’s ceremonial slaughter event, which took place in Magaliesberg.
In a disturbing clip that went viral, Malema attempted to slaughter the cow but struggled at length after using a somewhat blunt knife that caused the animal deep distress. Malema stuck the small knife into the cow’s poll [area between the head and ears], stabbing it and twisting the knife in it several times.
The video evoked a strong reaction from the public, who called on the NSPCA to intervene. At the time, animal activists objected that the animal had not been afforded a quick and humane death.
SPCA REACTS: ‘WE ARE DEEPLY DISHEARTENED’
A few months after the video was made public, the SPCA formally charged Julius Malema with animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act.
The organisation believes the politician inflicted “unimaginable suffering, pain and distress” on the animal. It aided the investigation by providing video evidence, affidavits, and even a key eyewitness who captured further footage at the scene.
Reacting to the NPA’s decision, it said in a statement: “While we acknowledge and respect the independence of the prosecutorial process, we are deeply disheartened by this outcome. We believed the available evidence merited judicial consideration. This decision will no doubt be dismaying to many South Africans who care deeply about the humane treatment of animals.
“This matter also underscores a broader issue: the continued struggle for animals to achieve visibility and protection within the justice system.
“The law must be applied consistently”.
DO YOU THINK MALEMA SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED OVER THE VIDEO?
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