FREE STATE – A self proclaimed pastor and his wife have received direct imprisonment for animal cruelty and child sexual abuse in a ground-breaking Free State case marking South Africa’s first custodial sentence for domestic animal cruelty.

Andre and Reinette Labuschagne, were sentenced this week in the Odendaalsrus Regional Court following their arrest on 3 September 2024 after the Virginia SPCA received a complaint about the brutal killing of a bull terrier named Leo.

South Africa’s first custodial sentence for domestic animal cruelty

“After more than two years of persistence, dedication and emotional resilience, justice has finally been served for Leo whose horrific abuse shocked our community,” says Thea Smit, chairperson of the Virginia SPCA. Senior inspector Ernest Khakau of the SPCA, attended the scene, laid charges and remained dedicated to the case throughout.

The court handed down one year direct imprisonment, without the option of a fine or suspension, for Leo’s killing. Evidence revealed Leo was strangled with a leash before being stabbed more than 50 times over 40 to 45 minutes. Reinette Labuschagne assisted by fetching knives.

Video evidence showed the dog wagging his tail throughout the ordeal. A post-mortem revealed Leo died of shock.

It is still not known what led to the slaughter of the dog.

“This outcome is a significant milestone for animal welfare in our region and sends a clear message that acts of cruelty against animals will not be tolerated,” says Smit.

During the investigation, an additional charge emerged when it was found that Andre had sexually assaulted his eight-year-old granddaughter. The child reported the incident to Reinette the following day but was reprimanded.

Andre received six years’ imprisonment (four years suspended) for sexual assault, six months’ imprisonment (suspended) for assaulting the dog’s owner, and 12 months’ direct imprisonment for animal cruelty. Reinette was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment (two years suspended) for failing to report the sexual assault, and 12 months’ direct imprisonment for animal cruelty.

Both have been entered into the National Sex Offenders Register and declared unfit to work with children.

The sentence is significant as the court imposed the maximum period of direct imprisonment available under the legislation.

This is particularly noteworthy given both accused were first offenders and Reinette was convicted on the basis of common purpose.

• The presiding officer was Magistrate K. Msimanga and the prosecutor was Charmaine Labuschagne (no relation to the accused) on request of Goodman Makhanya. The investigating officers were WO Anje Tait from Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS), assisted by Khakau.