Warning: This article contains content that readers may find disturbing.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse has emerged victorious against Pastor Mark Le Roux, who posted an image on social media featuring himself posing atop his bakkie while a bloodied Impala sits propped at the steering wheel.
This macabre display was meant to attract likes and shares but instead ignited outrage and condemnation.
The incident occurred in September 2019, when Pastor Mark Le Roux proudly shared a picture of himself posing with an Impala he had hunted and killed. In the post, he simulated the animal driving the bakkie while he lay on the car roof, making a tasteless gesture imitating a freshly killed animal.
To make matters worse, he questioned his followers about whether he should be ashamed that the hunting experience had aroused him sexually, using an inappropriate Afrikaans euphemism, ‘… ek ‘n horing gekry.’
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, along with many others, openly criticised the post, stating that only someone mentally unstable would make a mockery of a deceased animal and that his explicit reference to deriving sexual pleasure from killing the animal added another disturbing layer to the situation.
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The pastor took offence and decided to take Pieterse to court, alleging defamation and seeking damages of R200 000.
Le Roux claimed that Pieterse’s comment had damaged his reputation, leading to setbacks in his career, including not being invited back to preach at his church. Additionally, he claimed that he had lost the respect and admiration of the LGBTQ+ community, who were justifiably outraged by his actions.
During the trial, Le Roux attempted to justify his actions, stating that humans have been given control over animals by the Lord to care for them. However, this argument fell flat when challenged, as his actions clearly did not demonstrate care for the animal’s dignity.
In defence of his comment, Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, represented by Advocate Quintin Steyn, argued that his duty as an animal welfare advocate and protector compelled him to speak out against such abusive behaviour. He emphasised that society as a whole should uphold standards of animal welfare and respect the dignity of all creatures.
‘As someone who took an oath of office to protect and speak up for animals, I felt it was my duty to stand up and say something. The remainder of my honest opinion and comments on what I said are available to the public, and court records are public knowledge. To prevent any further accusations against myself, any public member is welcome to read the court records,’ commented Pieterse.
Ultimately, the court ruled in favour of Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, dismissing Le Roux’s case and awarding costs, including those of legal representation. This victory was seen as a triumph for animal welfare and a clear message against abusive behaviour towards animals.
The SPCA, along with Jaco Pieterse, expressed their gratitude to Advocate Quintin Steyn and Wright Attorneys Inc. for providing pro bono representation during the case. They reiterated their opposition to hunting and fishing animals for mere exhibition, entertainment or sport.
‘This was a win for animal welfare and for the dignity of all animals,’ said Pieterse.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA (Source: Daily Maverick)