Net closing in on cat ‘serial killer’

THE Animal Welfare Society (AWS) says it is closing in on a cat serial killer in Manenberg.

The organisation reiterated its urgent appeal to the public to assist with information that could lead to the nabbing of the perpetrator whose modus operandi appears to be cutting up the bodies of cats before disposing of them in residents’ yards.

AWS nurse Jaque le Roux said inspectors continued their investigation to lodge a case of animal cruelty.

“Our inspectors are circling the area and conducting interviews in the vicinity in which these incidents happen. We urge the public to urgently come forward with any information, and guarantee anonymity.

“Inspectors are working around the clock to bring the perpetrator to book,” said Le Roux.

In a statement, the AWS said the net was fast closing in on the suspect after the organisation had initially put out a call for information last week.

“Since our initial appeal for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrator we have put together a substantial dossier of anecdotal evidence that strongly suggests that the killer has struck before.

“We have reason to believe that this evil individual – whose signature is to slice the cats in two before throwing them into residents’ yards – is responsible for the horrific slaughter of at least seven other cats in Dwyka Street, Manenberg,” a statement read.

According to the post, AWS also suspected the perpetrator may have been involved in another incident where a cat’s face was bashed in with a brick.

“Equally disturbing is that it appears as though the owner of the cat ... knows the identity of the perpetrator but is apparently petrified to come forward for fear of retribution and hesitant to see him prosecuted.

“By choosing to do nothing they are allowing evil to triumph and buying this serial killer time to continue with his sadistic killing spree with impunity.

“This is absurd and we will, if ‘push comes to shove’ subpoena her to reveal the identity of the person and/or charge her for obstruction.

“Whoever this individual is represents a real danger to society and must be stopped before his actions escalate and further lives are lost,” AWS said.

Anyone with information that could lead to the suspect’s apprehension can anonymously contact Senior Inspector Mark Levendal on 021 692 2626 during office hours or AWS emergency after hours on 082 601 1761.