The tragic story of Willamina, a working horse who collapsed and died after being forced to haul an overloaded scrap cart in Wetton, has culminated in the conviction of three men. The case, which involved arrests, criminal charges, and ultimately, the mare’s death, has ignited concerns about the welfare of working horses in Cape Town and the potential for exploitation within the scrap collection industry.
In March, the SPCA received a call that would lead to a heart-wrenching discovery. Inspectors were dispatched to Plantation Road in Wetton following reports of a distressed animal. What they found was a dark bay mare, later identified as Willamina, struggling to pull a scrap cart laden with an estimated 880kg of scrap metal. Adding to the burden, three adult men were riding atop the scrap, further exacerbating the strain on the already struggling animal.
By the time Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt arrived on the scene, Willamina was in dire straits. Her legs were buckling beneath her, and she was collapsing repeatedly as she was still being driven forward. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Inspector Van Der Zandt immediately detached her from the heavy load and issued a seizure notice, effectively removing her from the control of her handlers.
Willamina was swiftly transported to the SPCA Horse Care Unit, where a team of dedicated professionals worked tirelessly to provide her with emergency veterinary care. However, despite their best efforts, the extent of her injuries proved insurmountable. A veterinary report later submitted to the court detailed the severity of her condition, noting muscle tremors, generalised weakness, a poor body condition with visibly protruding ribs, and painful pressure sores caused by a chafing harness. The report concluded that the combined weight of the load and the three men was "far beyond the physical capabilities of a horse of her size and condition," and that continuing to force her to work would inevitably have resulted in "collapse or death." Tragically, due to the severity of the fractures she had sustained, recovery was deemed impossible, and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise her, ending her suffering.
The subsequent investigation led to the arrest and charging of Moestakiem Jacobs, the 28-year-old owner of Willamina, along with Jerome Danny Samuels, 29, and Ashley Simson, 39, who were assisting him. All three men faced charges under the Animals Protection Act and the City’s Animal Keeping By-law. Following a trial, they were found guilty on all counts. The court handed down a sentence of R12,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years. This means that while the men will not serve jail time immediately, the threat of imprisonment looms over them for the next three years, and any further offences will result in direct imprisonment.
While the suspended sentence may be viewed by some as lenient, Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse emphasised the significance of the conviction. “This conviction sends a clear message: If you abuse an animal, you will be held accountable," he stated. "Willamina suffered because of human greed and disregard. Our Inspectorate will continue fighting for animals who cannot fight for themselves.” The criminal record that the men now carry will remain, serving as a constant reminder of their actions and a deterrent against future animal abuse.
The SPCA has raised concerns that Willamina's case is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a disturbing trend in Cape Town’s working-horse economy. They report an increasing number of instances where horses are rented out cheaply, subjected to harsh working conditions for scrap collection, and then returned injured and exhausted. The SPCA warns that "These horses are not companions or partners. They are simply tools to be used, abused, and discarded." They have reported four similar cases in recent months, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and stricter regulations.
The case also highlights the critical role played by inspectors, veterinarians, and the dedicated staff of the Horse Care Unit, who work tirelessly to deal with the often-devastating aftermath of these incidents. Their expertise and compassion are essential in providing care to abused and neglected animals and in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The SPCA is urging members of the public to be vigilant and to report any instances of overloaded, limping, injured, or underweight working horses immediately. They remind the public that under the Animals Protection Act, it is illegal to overload, overwork, or ill-treat any animal. Both owners and those who hire the animals can face prosecution for such offences. By working together, the SPCA and the public can help to protect vulnerable animals and ensure that those who abuse them are held accountable for their actions.
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