Allegations of animal cruelty against fraud convict Tony Yengeni cannot be dealt with by simply using criminal law, the South African Human Rights Commission said on Tuesday.
”The commission’s perspective is that one cannot take a simplistic approach to matters like this. It goes to the very heart of how people define themselves and how we construct our identity,” said chairperson Jody Kollapen.
Kollapen was responding to investigations by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) following reports that Yengeni stabbed a bull with a spear before it was slaughtered for his homecoming celebrations over the weekend.
”Rather than simply using criminal law, we would urge the SPCA to engage in a public debate around the issue relating to culture and cultural liberty and … the SPCA’s mandate to prevent cruelty to animals.”
Kollapen said the slaughter of animals by cultures in South Africa is an issue that needs to be dealt with in context.
”Cultural liberty is an important right … recognised in South Africa … and internationally.
”We are living in a society that has a diversity of languages, cultures and religions, which creates challenges and opportunities,” he said.
Yengeni could face more jail time if he is found guilty of animal cruelty, the SPCA told the media on Monday.
”If these allegations are true, then this is definitely a criminal offence under the Animal Protection Act,” said SPCA spokesperson Andries Venter.
”For this kind of an offence a court could sentence a guilty person for up to twelve months imprisonment,” he said, adding that the offence carried a maximum fine of R200 000.
”Once we have completed our investigation, we will forward the docket to the police, who will then hand it over to the state prosecutor for a decision,” said Venter. — Sapa