Here are a couple of touching images showing the kind of bond many elderly people share with their cats. The same kind of affection Nomsa had for hers:

The mob accused Nomsa  who lives alone and originally comes from KwaZulu-Natal  of using the cats for witchcraft. In the chaos, her simple shack was vandalised, her belongings thrown outside, and she was left homeless and traumatised. She has since been kindly taken in by a compassionate local woman, Nonhlanhla Bhila, who opened her home to help.

Nomsa has spoken about the pain that still keeps her awake at night: she says she keeps hearing the cries of her cats and seeing their faces. The two surviving cats are now being cared for, and community members have stepped in with donations of food and clothing to support her.

A disturbing video that has become part of the police investigation captured the heartbreaking moment,  Maseko desperately carrying her cats outside just before the attack began, while belongings lay scattered around her home.

On December 1, police arrested three suspects: Dudu Nkoyena, Moses Skosana, and Cleopatra Mlambo. They face charges of animal cruelty. The trio first appeared in the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court on December 3, and returned on December 9 for a bail hearing.

That day, the courtroom was packed with community members from Mgababa Section who came out in strong support of the accused, filling the public gallery.

Unfortunately, the bail application couldn’t proceed right away. The court heard that the home addresses of two of the accused (Dudu Nkoyena and Cleopatra Mlambo) couldn’t be properly verified yet, although the third suspect’s address (Moses Skosana) was confirmed. The magistrate postponed the matter to December 18 to allow more time for verification and to move forward with bail proceedings.

This sad case highlights the painful intersection of superstition, fear, and animal cruelty in some communities. Nomsa Maseko is simply asking for justice  so that no one else ever has to go through the same nightmare she’s enduring.

Animal welfare groups and police continue to urge people: if you have concerns about suspected witchcraft or unusual animal behaviour, please report them properly to authorities or the SPCA rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Our thoughts are with Nomsa during this difficult time. May she find some peace and healing soon.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Heartbreaking Cruelty: Elderly Woman Loses Her Beloved “Cats” in Suspected Witchcraft Attack – Three Accused Back in Court appeared first on MDNtv.

A closer look revealed two young orange-fronted parakeets, heavily sedated and stuffed into small brown bags tucked inside his underwear. Martinez, a U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, was trying to smuggle the protected birds into the United States without following required quarantine and inspection procedures.

The birds were found alive but sluggish, and border veterinarians immediately treated them. They were later placed under official quarantine and are expected to recover fully.

Authorities say this wasn’t Martinez’s first attempt to sneak birds across the border. Records indicate he may have been involved in smuggling birds before. He now faces serious federal charges that could bring up to 20 years in prison and significant fines.

Orange-fronted parakeets are considered a vulnerable species, facing threats from intense trapping and illegal wildlife trade. Hundreds of thousands have been trafficked over the years, placing the species under increased pressure.

This case is one of several recent incidents. In April, another man was caught trying to smuggle 12 of the same birds inside his boots, with several not surviving the ordeal. Officials say these cases highlight the cruelty and dangers of wildlife smuggling — both for the animals and the people involved.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Customs officers shocked after finding live parakeets hidden in man’s underwear appeared first on MDNtv.

The number of stray animals in Chatsworth continues to rise, raising concerns about animal welfare and community safety.

Stray dogs and cats are becoming a growing concern in Chatsworth. Residents express their sadness over the increasing number of stray animals seen on the road.

Joyce Subramoney, a Chatworth resident, said that she often sees cats and kittens that are thin and hungry.

“It’s so sad that there are so many stray animals. I see so many dogs and cats, they’re so thin. Sometimes I leave some bread and milk in a bowl for them to eat, or I buy some canned food. Even with the dogs, you can see their bones; it is way too sad. I always try to either leave food or water. Something needs to be done to help these animals. Where are they supposed to find shelter? Sometimes the weather gets so bad, and sometimes these animals get knocked by cars, nobody worries. My heart breaks,” she said.

Metro Police officer Denzil Pillay, who works in the Animal Nuisance Division, said the unit does not often receive complaints about stray animals.

“Not very often do we receive complaints. However, when we do, we refer the complainant to SPCA so prompt action can be taken,” he said. “This complaint will be investigated by the appropriate officer who deals with such matters and/or seek the assistance of the SPCA.”

Pillay said the main causes behind the growing number of stray animals are “neglect or animals being abandoned by the owners.” He added that “educating the owners through social media” and “public meetings” could help address the problem.

Tanya Fleischer, marketing manager at the Durban and Coast SPCA, said the organisation cannot give specific figures for just the Chatsworth area but confirmed that stray animals face serious risks.

“Stray animals cause a risk as they could harm themselves or others. Car accidents/ being run over, biting people, being abused by people, etc.,” she said.

Fleischer said the SPCA “collects and shelters stray animals” and advised that residents should not engage with stray animals directly. Anyone needing assistance can call the SPCA on 031 579 6501 during office hours or 083 212 6103 after hours.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post STRAY ANIMALS LEAVE CHATSWORTH RESIDENTS CONCERNED appeared first on MDNtv.