NSPCA Pursues Legal Action Against Julius Malema for Cow Slaughtering, Mzansi Defends Him

• EFF leader Julius Malema has been accused of animal cruelty after a video of him slaughtering a cow went viral
• The National Council of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Malema caused the animal significant distress
• Many South Africans defended Malema, saying that's how they slaughter animals in their culture
• Speaking to Briefly News, the NSPCA said the criminal charges against Malema are not political motivated

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has found himself in some legal trouble.

Julius Malema accused of animal cruelty

The National Council of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) recently laid a criminal charge of animal cruelty after a video of Julius Malema slaughtering a cow went viral.

According to TimesLIVE, Malema slaughtered cows to celebrate the big day as part of the EFF's 10th anniversary festivities. In a video taken in Magaliesberg, the EFF leader was seen stabbing a cow several times in the neck with a short knife.

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The NSPCA said after investigating the contraventions in the July video, it decided to lay criminal charges against Malema at the Magaliesberg Police Station.

NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock said Malema inflicted unnecessary pain and suffering on the animal, which caused it to endure significant distress.

EWN reported that the NSPCA plans to work closely with the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure a successful conviction.

NSPCA says charges are politically charged

Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, the NSPCA explained why they are pursuing charges against the EFF leader. Jacques Peacock said the NPSCA acknowledges people's cultures and traditions when it comes to slaughtering animals, but slaughtering needs to be done in a humane way.

"Quite clearly, Mr Malema inflicted 11 stabs and over 60 instances of turning the knife into the poll of the fully conscious animal. An animal must either be killed instantaneously or stunned and killed by a method that they do not detect," said Peacock.

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He added that the animal should not regain consciousness while being slaughtered. Peacock added that the organisation is aware of the criticism regarding the legal action against Malema and clarified that the move has nothing to do with politics.

"The NSPCA does not concern itself with politics. The NSPCA has a demonstrated history of applying the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 without fear, favour and prejudice. We are mandated to investigate any complaints of animal cruelty received and to take the necessary action," said Peacock.

South Africans share thoughts on Malema's criminal charges

@Cand_Ziziba said:

"They're bored "

@lotlis said:

"We're having serious issues in this country but cows, yona."

@NtsieniUnaado said:

"I saw it coming but they won't win as he wasn't slaughtering it in some negligent space... they will need a lot of convincing evidence that gives substance to their charges."

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@Joe_Man_Joe said:

"If all attempts fail to get Juju and his party disbarred, even some organisations get politically involved in support of their political affiliates. Sis NSPCA!"

@Makola_Nkgape

"Unfortunately that’s how we slaughter cows in our tradition."

@JesseFJacobs said:

"About to be another movie in the courtroom."

@SivuMesatywa said:

"Mxm. There's no case here, just a witchhunt against him."

Malema’s EFF 10th anniversary speech calls out African leaders

Briefly News previously reported that Julius Malema made a formal speech at the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) event celebrating their decade-old existence.

The party's president hit on various topics, including political issues in Kenya, the DRC and neighbouring Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

According to SABC News, Julius Malema was critical of Kenyan leaders who organised protests against William Ruto's presidency.

Source: Briefly News