"Dunoon puppy seller" sentenced following escape from custody

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has welcomed the convictions and sentencing of Ncubeko Hloni, widely known as the “Dunoon puppy seller”. Hlone faced charges for animal cruelty, illegally selling animals and escaping from lawful custody.

The 22-year-old appeared before Magistrate Nemuhuyuni in the Cape Town Central Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 September 2026, after being held in custody since his re-arrest on 1 December 2025 following his escape from lawful police custody.

According to the SPCA, his arrest followed an incident on 29 November 2025, when members of the public saw Hloni attempting to sell a puppy that appeared lethargic and unwell on Main Road in Green Point. When concerned bystanders intervened, Hloni refused to hand over the puppy and tried to flee.

“As members of the public apprehended him, a frustrated Hloni attempted to strangle the puppy. During the struggle, Hloni broke the puppy’s leg.

A second puppy was subsequently discovered inside Hloni’s backpack, which had been zipped closed without ventilation. This puppy was also lethargic and in poor condition. Both puppies were rushed to a private veterinarian, examined, treated and subsequently placed safely in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

Hloni was taken to Sea Point SAPS, where SPCA Inspectors intended to lay criminal charges. While in custody, he climbed through the police bathroom window and escaped. A R5,000 reward was then put up by the SPCA for information leading to his arrest and successful prosecution.

Following his escape, Dunoon residents recognised and contained Hloni on 1 December 2026 before alerting the SPCA.

During his court appearance in August, Hloni reportedly pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that he bought the animals for R150 and then resold them for R300.

“The prosecutor told the court that the State was shocked by the manner in which Hloni had handled the animals and regarded the offences as serious. Direct imprisonment was requested,”

He was sentenced to R3 000 or three months’ direct imprisonment for two charges relating to offences under the Animals Protection Act, R3 000 or three months’ direct imprisonment for selling animals without the City’s authorisation in contravention of the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law and R3 000 or three months’ direct imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody.

“The three sentences will run concurrently. As the fine could not be paid, Hloni will serve the term of imprisonment.”

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has reminded the public that selling or offering animals for sale without the City of Cape Town’s required authorisation is an offence under the Animal Keeping By-law.