The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has arrested the self-proclaimed “King of Crocodile” after a disturbing video surfaced on social media in January 2025, showing the suspect torturing a Nile crocodile.
The widely circulated TikTok video depicts the individual repeatedly kicking and beating the crocodile before striking it multiple times in the mouth with a slasher.
The crocodile was later euthanised over its extensive injuries.
Upon being alerted to the video, the NSPCA immediately launched an investigation. After gathering substantial evidence, the team successfully identified the suspect in Duthuni, a village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo, and he was arrested on Thursday, 13 February.
The suspect faces charges under section 2 of the Animals Protection Act for animal cruelty, as well as additional charges under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. He will appear in court on Monday, 17 February.
The man, who will be identified in court, defended himself to a local Limpopo media outlet, saying he only wanted to protect the animal and residents, as there is a belief that the brain of a crocodile is poisonous.
The NSPCA says his arrest should serve as a powerful warning to anyone who makes themselves guilty of animal cruelty.
“This arrest is a significant step in holding animal abusers accountable, particularly those who commit such heinous acts for social media notoriety. The NSPCA remains committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
This is the latest animal cruelty case to be captured on social media. Earlier this month a video emerged of ”Raygun” the baboon being chased, beaten and set alight in Mpumalanga, while a man was arrested in January for force-feeding a fish beer.
Communications Manager at the National Council of SPCAs, Jacques Peacock says since the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, the NSPCA has seen an alarming increase in videos depicting animal cruelty.
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