Attempts to find the person responsible for microwaving a live cat at the University of KwaZulu-Natal will continue until the culprits have been found, the university said on Friday.
”While there’s still no evidence on which we can base a case, we’re not stopping until we get to the bottom of this,” dean of student affairs Trevor Wills said.
The cat, named Tango, was killed in May by being cooked alive in a microwave oven belonging to students at the university’s Pinewood residence.
Tango was the pet of Nareen Rambharren, chief of security services on the campus.
Wills said the four students suspected of involvement have all been interviewed, but the university is still no closer to finding the guilty party.
”The matter is still being investigated by us, the police and the SPCA [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]. We’re following leads on the same suspects.”
The SPCA inspector investigating the case on Thursday expressed frustration that the university’s student body has been uncooperative in helping him.
”They wouldn’t let me question the students in the first place; they’ve set down so many rules and regulations,” SPCA Pinetown inspector Roland Fivaz said.
Even though the case has been handed to police, Fivaz is doubtful they will make more progress.
”I seriously doubt that police will have more authority to get in there.”
In June, students chased Fivaz from the campus while he was trying to question them about Tango’s death.
Wills said Fivaz’s ”unannounced” visit had almost resulted in a riot.
”Mr Fivaz must obey our normal protocol at the campus and request assistance of our internal security, which we will freely offer him.”
While photographs, a vet’s report, an expert’s report on the workings of microwaves and the oven manufacturer’s report have been gathered, the only missing piece of the puzzle is eyewitnesses, Fivaz said.
”We are trying to work on it as fast as possible. The important thing is to get more information that can place those people at that place, at the time.
”There are people inside the varsity keeping their ears open. You get people who open their mouths after a drink or two. We have to look out for that,” he added.
So far, individuals and companies have together pledged R31 700 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Tango’s killer. — Sapa