Update: 5 December, 9am
The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has confirmed that Ncubeko Hloni, embroiled in multiple serious criminal allegations, will remain in custody until 17 February 2026, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This decisive ruling, made by the court on Thursday morning, has denied him bail and postponed the matter for further investigation, underscoring the grave nature of the offences he faces.
Hloni’s charges are extensive and troubling, encompassing assault, theft, and multiple counts of animal cruelty.
Furthermore, he is linked to an outstanding warrant of arrest originating from last year, painting a picture of a concerning pattern of behaviour that prompted Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse’s remarks after the court session.
‘We are relieved to see a repeat offender kept off the streets.’
‘The pattern of behaviour presented in this case demands firm intervention. This ruling gives the justice process the space it needs to move forward without further risk to animals or the public,’ Pieterse stated.
The saga intensified when Hloni was re-arrested after reportedly escaping from the Sea Point police station through an unsecured window just days ago. His disappearance came shortly after two compromised puppies, one concealed within a backpack, were removed from his possession and placed under veterinary care.
Upon his escape, the SPCA made an urgent public appeal for information, offering a R5,000 reward for leads on his whereabouts. Swiftly, residents of Dunoon recognised Hloni and contained him, promptly notifying the SPCA.
Inspector Pieterse swiftly mobilised the City Law Enforcement and security partners, resulting in Hloni being secured and handed back to the SAPS Table View for custody.
Hloni’s re-arrest has also allowed for advancements in ongoing investigations pertaining to his alleged public abuse of a rabbit, a development that the SPCA emphasised as critically important.
‘We extend our gratitude to the Dunoon community, SAPS, City Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, and all security partners involved, their swift action ensured this case could proceed to court – and that vulnerable animals remain protected,’ SPCA stated
Update: 2 December, 10:30am
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed his capture, which followed a swift and coordinated community response to a citywide alert.
Hloni, known for his questionable dealings in the puppy trade, escaped through an unsecured window just after authorities had removed two compromised puppies from his possession, one of which was discovered hidden in his backpack.
The urgent call for information, accompanied by a R5 000 reward from the SPCA, saw the vigilant residents of Dunoon act immediately upon spotting him, leading to the critical tip-off that would ensure his prompt re-arrest.
According to Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, the swift actions of the community and local law enforcement were instrumental in curbing Hloni’s escape.
‘The citizens of this city pay attention. There is no hiding from a community that refuses to look away,’ Pieterse remarked.
Following his capture, Hloni attempted to mislead authorities by claiming the presence of further animals at various locations, yet no evidence of additional animals was found during the search.
He has now been taken back to Sea Point SAPS for processing and faces multiple charges, including animal cruelty, contraventions of the City’s Animal Keeping By-Law, and escaping lawful custody.
The re-arrest has also brought attention back to an outstanding case from Table View involving allegations of rabbit abuse in public, which has remained unresolved due to Hloni’s previous actions.
Following this latest incident, authorities hope to progress towards justice for all affected animals.
In a show of gratitude, Pieterse thanked the Dunoon residents, local security partners, and the City’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit for their rapid response.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is reeling in disbelief after Ncubeko Hloni, widely known as the ‘Dunoon puppy seller’, reportedly managed to escape from police custody on Saturday, just hours after he was arrested for attempting to sell sick puppies on Main Road in Green Point, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Hloni’s arrest came as a result of vigilant members of the public who noticed that one of the puppies he was carrying appeared lethargic and unwell.
Their intervention led to Hloni being apprehended by a bystander before Green Point CID officers arrived on the scene to detain him.
A second puppy was found in his backpack, zipped closed and lacking proper ventilation, prompting immediate concern for the animals’ welfare.
The rescued puppies were rushed to a private veterinarian by a compassionate citizen, where they were examined and are now safe under the care of the SPCA.
However, the day took a disturbing turn when Hloni, while being held at Sea Point SAPS, requested to use the bathroom.
In an alarming lapse of protocol, a police member left him unattended inside the restroom, which had a small, unsecured window devoid of burglar bars. Hloni seized the opportunity and escaped through the window, vanishing into the city’s fabric.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse expressed his dismay, stating, ‘I am deeply disappointed and frankly stunned by the sheer carelessness displayed by SAPS in this incident. How does one leave a suspect alone in a bathroom with no burglar bars? What if this was a murderer?’
Pieterse further highlighted that this was the second escape from the same police station in just a week, branding the situation as ‘completely unacceptable,’
This recent incident is not a first for Hloni, who has a troubling history with authorities.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
He is currently facing animal cruelty charges linked to a shocking episode where he was found tying a rope around a rabbit’s neck and swinging it into the air during rush hour on Malibongwe Drive in Dunoon.
Although arrested and traced by the SPCA, the case stalled when he disappeared on bail.
The SPCA has responded vigorously to his latest escape by offering a reward of R5,000 for any information leading to his re-arrest and successful prosecution. Members of the public are urged to report any sightings of Hloni to the SPCA Inspectorate at 0217004158/9 or 0833261604.
Following Hloni’s escape, Sea Point CID Chairperson Jacques Webber mobilised nearby community safety teams to conduct extensive searches. ‘It is highly likely he will attempt to sell another puppy soon. We need the public’s assistance to ensure he is located and brought back into custody,’ he cautioned.
Webber advised the public to keep Hloni in sight but not to alert him, noting that he is extremely fast and flees at the first hint of police presence.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: SPCA / Facebook
