The founder of K9 Patrol Pet Army and his co-accused are expected to appear today in the Wynberg Magistrates Court after the pair was arrested following the discovery of vieslike scenes of animal cruelty on the Kirstenhof property.
What appeared to be a rescue organisation was a horror house for animals who were tied up, locked in filth, denied water and it was not the first time.
A routine complaint turned into what the Cape of Good Hope SPCA describes as one of the most disturbing cruelty cases uncovered in recent years.
The SPCA says: "On 2 May 2025, Jamie Pieterse, the founder of the so-called K9 Patrol Pet Army, and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel were arrested following a raid on a Kirstenhof property.
"Jamie attempted to evade the law and was later arrested in Scarborough by the City of Cape Town Traffic Services. Narcotics [tik and Mandrax] were also found in his possession at the time of his arrest."
The SPCA explained that earlier that day, inspectors armed with a warrant obtained from the Wynberg Magistrates Court accompanied by Kirstenhof SAPS, descended on the property.
It adds: "What the team discovered inside was harrowing. Animals tied on chains. Faeces-covered floors. Rooms soaked in urine, vomit, rotten food, decomposing filth.
"Outside, five adult dogs were found tethered to short chains or ropes, without access to clean drinking water.
"Puppies were confined to a small pen. A dog even tied to a tap. A dog was found tethered inside a pen, its space so restricted that it could barely move.
"But the horror didn’t end there. Outside, inspectors found plastic tubs of discoloured black-green water filled with koi and Nile Tilapia fish, a listed invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. These were being kept without a valid permit.”
In total, the SPCA inspectors rescued 13 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat and three tubs of fish. The animals are now in the care of the SPCA where they are receiving treatment and rehabilitation.
Maxine Bezuidenhout, Spokesperson for the City’s Traffic Services confirmed the arrest.
She says: “The City’s Traffic Services can confirm the arrest of a 22-year-old man from Retreat on charges of drug possession and the Contravention of Section 8(1) of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.”
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana adds: “We can confirm that the person mentioned in your enquiry and his co-accused were arrested on Friday 2 May 2025 for animal cruelty."
The accused are appearing today and are expected to formally apply for bail however the SPCA has confirmed that it will be opposing bail.
In March 2025, the SPCA laid charges of animal cruelty against Jamie after he attempted to treat a dog’s torn ear by gluing it back together with super glue without sterilisation, pain relief or proper veterinary care.