*WARNING: Story contains images which may upset sensitive readers.
Authorities are on the hunt for a second cat killer after five decapitated cats were found in Faure over the past week.
Meanwhile, two more cats were killed in Manenberg on Monday, bringing the death toll to 27, as fears rise that the perpetrators may target children next.
The shocking discoveries in Faure were made by residents in Johannesburg Street who said the headless cats were flung into their yards.
Imogen Auer, a volunteer from the Helderberg Animal Rescue Team (HART), says she was called to a gruesome scene on Friday.
“I was in Faure to check up on some puppies when one of the homeowners told me that three headless cats were flung into her backyard but she had already buried them,” she says.
“I found out that the neighbour next door also had a cat thrown in her yard and then they called me to a scene where a black cat was found decapitated.”
Imogen says the community is reeling in shock as this has never happened before and they believe that more than one person is behind the attacks.
“It appears that feral cats are being targeted and it is quite shocking to see what is happening.
“There must be more than one perpetrator involved as it is quite difficult to catch a cat.”
Manenberg residents have taken to the streets to patrol at night hoping to catch the varke mutilating the cats in their community.
Shocking pictures show the animals’ stomachs sliced open and their organs ripped out and draped around them.
The killings are being monitored by the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS) who have offered a R5000 reward for information on the killer(s).
*WARNING: Video may upset sensitive readers.
REWARD: R5k for perp’s info. Video supplied
Spokesperson Allan Perrins says they were shocked to hear of the killings in Faure and they hope that there’s no copycat killer on the loose.
He said during a meeting with Manenberg residents yesterday morning, fears were raised that children may be targeted.
“When meeting with the community, they expressed concerns about the safety of children as they fear the perpetrators could target children next,” says Perrins.
“The person who is responsible for the killings has to have no conscience and be completely deranged.
“This person should be considered dangerous because if you look at some of the most notorious serial killers, you will find that most of them started by torturing and killing animals before moving on to kill people.”
If you have information on the killings, call AWS on 021 692 2626 or 082 601 1761 or send an email to inspector@awscape.org.za.
*WARNING: Image may upset sensitive readers.
monique.duval@inl.co.za