A Kensington man who allegedly used a pitbull to frighten residents during robberies has been sentenced to six years’ direct imprisonment, bringing relief to a community that had reportedly been living in fear of the attacks, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Nicolás Langellotti/Pexels
The sentence follows a robbery that took place in July last year at a park between 11th and 12th Avenue in Kensington, where a resident was approached while sitting alone during the afternoon.
According to the City of Cape Town, the suspect first walked past the complainant with the dog before returning moments later and demanding the victim’s cellphone. Authorities said the animal was deliberately used to intimidate the resident during the confrontation.
Kensington residents reportedly helped authorities identify the suspect, with community members allegedly recognising him as someone linked to similar robberies in the area where the dog was used to threaten victims.
The City’s Animal Control Unit later became heavily involved in the investigation after prosecutors instructed officers to remove the pitbull from the suspect’s home. MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith said officers faced difficulties locating the suspect, but continued making repeated attempts until the animal was eventually removed.
The intervention, according to the City, helped put an end to a string of incidents that had left some residents uneasy about using public spaces in the area.
The case has once again sparked discussion online around pitbull ownership in South Africa, particularly in communities where the breed has increasingly become associated with intimidation, backyard breeding and criminal activity. However, animal welfare advocates and city officials have cautioned against blaming the breed itself.
Smith stressed that pitbulls are not naturally violent animals and said responsibility lies with owners who abuse or train dogs to be aggressive.
‘Pitbulls are not inherently dangerous dogs,‘ he said, ‘humans turn them into dangerous dogs, ensuring consequences for owners who cruelly abuse these animals and use them as weapons is key to stopping this destructive culture.‘
Smith also praised both SAPS and the City’s Animal Control officers for their persistence throughout the investigation and court process, stating, ‘I want to commend SAPS and Law Enforcement’s Animal Control Unit for their persistence and dedication in ensuring the successful removal of the dog and supporting the investigation that led to the conviction and sentencing of the offender.‘
While the suspect begins his jail sentence, the dog’s future has not been publicly disclosed.
Article by Cameron Kelly for Cape ETC
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