There is not enough evidence suggesting that former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni had violated any animal rights during the slaughter of a bull at his father’s house, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said on Friday.
”There is inadequate evidence or witnesses to proceed with the prosecution, and as a result we have decided to drop our investigation,” said SPCA senior investigator Andries Venter.
The society had instituted the probe after claims Yengeni had stabbed a bull before it was slaughtered as part of his homecoming celebration following his release from prison a week ago.
The SPCA’s decision to investigate the claims had invoked sharp criticism from cultural activists, government departments and individuals. The Western Cape department of cultural affairs on Friday welcomed the SPCA’s decision to drop the probe.
The department’s Mandla Yeki said the organisation had never had a case in the first place.
”We have always maintained that the investigation was a blatant attack on people’s cultural practices.
”They were declaring war on people, and were therefore bound to be defeated,” he said, adding that the decision to investigate Yengeni was opportunistic.
Yengeni was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment in 2004 for fraud. He was released a week ago after serving four months of his sentence.
Had he been charged for cruelty against animal, the SPCA said he could have faced a for a maximum of twelve months’ imprisonment or a R200 000 fine. — Sapa