Siyabonga stands firm beside a pool, recovering and thriving after surviving an alleged drowning attempt in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: Supplied / National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).
A man has been arrested and is facing animal cruelty charges after attempting to kill a dog by throwing it off a bridge with weights tied around its neck in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, according to the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).
The accused, Muzikayise Mhlongo, appeared in the Mtubatuba Magistrates’ Court following the incident, which occurred on March 13, 2026 near the Siyabonga Tourism Centre.
According to witnesses, Mhlongo was seen holding a brown dog by a blue and white rope before kicking it and throwing it from a bridge into the St Lucia Estuary.
A boat operator at the nearby Siyabonga Jetty intervened and rescued the animal after removing the heavy object tied around its neck.
The dog, affectionately named Siyabonga, was taken in by a compassionate member of the public and transported to the Hluhluwe State Veterinary Clinic for assessment.
Veterinary staff confirmed that Siyabonga sustained physical injuries consistent with a head impact and showed signs of severe neglect, including a heavy parasite infestation, malnourishment, and behavioural indicators of prior trauma.
The NSPCA, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS), traced a vehicle linked to the incident to the Mtubatuba area. During a subsequent visit to the property, officials say Mhlongo admitted to throwing the dog into the estuary, claiming that Siyabonga had killed his chickens.
Disturbingly, Mhlongo showed no remorse for his actions, officials claim.
Siyabonga has since received veterinary care, including vaccination and sterilisation, and is recovering in a place of safety under NSPCA supervision. Inspectors say Siyabonga is steadily improving.
In a statement released by the NSPCA, “This incident is a stark reminder of the serious nature of animal cruelty. We are grateful for the quick actions of witnesses, which were crucial in saving Siyabonga’s life.”
The organisation added that community reporting played a key role in securing both evidence and the animal’s survival.
Mhlongo will face charges of deliberate cruelty under the Animals Protection Act.
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