CRIME SCENE: Doringbaai, Western Cape: The police have arrested a 58-year-old man who allegedly tried to use animal fat to poison stray dogs.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) he faces charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, illegal possession of ammunition, animal cruelty, possession of an unlicensed motor vehicle and driving without a valid driver’s licence.

SAPS says the arrest follows an incident that occurred in Main Road, Doringbaai, on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.

“According to reports, a member of the public alerted a Doringbaai police officer to the presence of a suspicious man who was allegedly throwing substances resembling animal fat into a field next to the road. 

“Upon investigation, police approached the suspect and found him in possession of what appeared to be animal fat that he was allegedly discarding alongside the road. Due to concerns that members of the public wanted to interfere at the scene, the suspect was escorted to the Doringbaai police station for further investigation.

“A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the seizure of two firearms and various rounds of ammunition. Police members also seized a white bag containing animal fat and a bottle containing an unknown substance.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly intended using the animal fat to poison stray dogs after reportedly suffering livestock losses due to dogs killing sheep on his farm,” said SAPS.