A man known online as “Skeem Noa” has been convicted of animal cruelty after a TikTok video showed him shouting at and slapping terrified donkeys in Limpopo. The NSPCA investigated the footage, rescued five donkeys and pursued criminal charges that ultimately led to his conviction.
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A man known online as “Skeem Noa” has been convicted of animal cruelty after a disturbing TikTok video showed him slapping terrified donkeys across the face for entertainment.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) confirmed that Nano Masalesa was convicted under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 following the incident in Limpopo.
The video, which surfaced in September 2022, showed Masalesa running alongside a cart being pulled by four donkeys and driven by a young boy.
He then stopped, shouted at the animals and repeatedly slapped them across the face.
The donkeys reacted in fear and attempted to pull away. The NSPCA traced the incident to Mohodi, near Bochum, Limpopo.
Inspectors obtained a warrant and visited the property on October 4, 2022, but Masalesa was in Pretoria.
They then went to the donkeys’ owner, who was Masalesa’s uncle.
“The owner surrendered the four donkeys from the video and a foal still suckling from its mother into the care of the NSPCA and was issued a written warning.”
The animals were taken to the Polokwane SPCA, where they were treated for internal and external parasites before later being placed for adoption.
The NSPCA subsequently laid criminal charges against Masalesa and a warrant for his arrest was issued and circulated.
The case eventually landed before the Bochum Magistrate’s Court, where Masalesa was convicted.
“The Bochum Magistrate’s Court postponed sentencing for three years in terms of section 297 of the Criminal Procedure Act, on condition that he pays R5,000 to the Polokwane SPCA towards the care of the donkeys.”
Masalesa has until September 19, 2029, to meet the court’s condition.
If he does, he will be cautioned and the conviction will remain on his record.
If he fails to comply, the court can impose a fine or imprisonment.
“The NSPCA remains committed to investigating animal cruelty, including cruelty depicted or distributed through social media, and to placing properly investigated matters before the relevant authorities for prosecution.”
IOL
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