August 2007 - Browns Hopes to Assist in Upholding the Rule of Law

Browns of Rivonia has donated R10 000 to the King Williams Town SPCA in the Eastern Cape to assist in bringing to book members of the SAPS who manned a truck accident scene on Saturday near Middledrift where over 150 pigs being transported were consequently butchered alive and stolen following the collision. Upon arrival at the accident scene, the SPCA reported that the police “stood around and refused to do anything” as a gathering crowd stormed the overturned truck and dragged live and injured pigs off to their vehicles.

“Animals were gutted while they were alive, they were stabbed and their hind quarters hacked at – it is the most horrific savagery the SPCA has ever experienced” said spokesperson for King Williams Town SPCA, Annette Rademeyer. Not only did the SAPS offer no assistance to the SPCA who were trying to ward off the mob, they also participated in loading pigs in their own police vans whilst deliberately removing their official number plates. In the end, not a single pig was saved and the SPCA is now asking for assistance in charging the police officers concerned with stock theft, defeating the ends of justice, interfering with an officer of the law (SPCA) as well as certain charges under the Animals Protection Act.

“Browns is appalled by the savagery displayed by the crowd, but we are most disturbed by the actions of the police officers on the scene. We are eager to assist in holding these corrupt SAPS officials and barbaric members of the public accountable by assisting the SPCA with a donation towards their legal costs,” said Browns’ Marketing Manager Lara Edwards. “Furthermore we urge the leadership of the SAPS in the region to investigate and act swiftly in arresting and prosecuting those responsible.”

Call 011 803 7533 or email communications@browns.co.za