WARNING Video in article may disturb some readers.
LIMPOPO. – Nano Masalesa, known online as "Skeem Noa", has been found guilty of animal cruelty after a video showing him beating donkeys was shared on TikTok.
According to Samanta Stelli of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), the Bochum Regional Court found Masalesa guilty under the Animal Protection Act. Sentencing has been suspended for three years in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, on condition that he pays R5 000 to the Polokwane SPCA for the care of the donkeys. The case dates from September 2022, when the NSPCA became aware of the video. Masalesa is seen running alongside a cart being pulled by four donkeys and driven by a young boy. He stops, shouts and beats the donkeys in the face.
The location was identified, after which inspectors visited the property with a court order on four October 2022. Masalesa was in Pretoria at that stage. At the donkeys' owner, Masalesa's uncle, eleven donkeys without available drinking water were found. The four donkeys from the video and a filly were handed over to the NSPCA's care and taken to the Polokwane SPCA, where they were treated for internal and external parasites. They were later made available for adoption.
Following the investigation, criminal charges were laid against Masalesa and a warrant for his arrest was issued. The case ultimately led to his conviction in the Bochum Regional Court. If Masalesa complies with the court's conditions by 19 September 2029, he will receive a warning and the conviction will remain on his record. If he does not comply, the court may impose a fine or imprisonment.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
