The community of eSitetemeni village in Mahlabathini, near Ulundi, remains in shock following the arrest of a local high school teacher on bestiality charges for allegedly of sexually abusing goats.
The 43-year-old teacher from Maphovela High School was arrested on Wednesday after the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) allegedly presented evidence to police.
“It is alleged that officials from the SPCA arrived at the police station with video footage showing the suspect sexually abusing goats and requested that a criminal case be opened against him,” said a community member who asked not to be identified.
The source said it remains unclear when or how the videos were recorded or how they came into the possession of the SPCA. However, it is believed the footage may have been recorded by the suspect himself.
According to the source, the goats allegedly featured in the videos belonged to the suspect, who reportedly keeps a herd of goats at his homestead.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the rural community, where the teacher was regarded as a respected member of society because of his profession.
Traditional leader Induna Dlamini, whose first name could not be established, confirmed that he had been informed of the incident.
“After being informed of the incident while I was in a meeting, I later heard people discussing it, although it was clear that no one had the full details. The teacher has been arrested,” he said.
Dlamini said the suspect was born and raised in the village and that his family remains well known in the area.
The school’s governing body chairperson and the local ward councillor said they were unaware of the incident when approached for comment.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrest.
“Mahlabathini police arrested a 43-year-old man on charges related to bestiality, animal cruelty and sexual assault.
“It is alleged that the suspect was seen in a video circulating on social media sexually abusing goats. He was later traced and arrested. It is believed the incidents occurred between April and July this year,” Netshiunda said.
Under South African law, bestiality is a criminal offence and offenders may face lengthy prison sentences depending on the circumstances of the case.
In April 2022, a Soweto man was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment after being convicted of sexually abusing his neighbour’s dog. The prosecution followed criminal charges laid by the National Council of SPCA (NSPCA) after community members allegedly caught him inside the dog’s kennel and handed him over to police.
