Threats, coercing and interference allegations in Modise Animal Cruelty case 

01 August 2014

The confirmation by the Veterinary Defence Association (VDA)  that there were attempts by "political parties and other vested interests " (1) to "coerce and threaten" the veterinary surgeon involved in the investigation of the animal cruelty on Thandi Modise's farm is a serious indication that the allegations of interference in this case is substantive and real.

The DA, apart from being concerned about the pressure exerted upon Dr Abbas, will add the latest revelations to our charge, CAS 5/7/2014, registered at the Buffelshoek SAPS, as evidence of attempts to defeat the ends of justice accumulates.

Thandi Modise was reported to have stated that she will give her full cooperation in the investigation into the horrific events on her farm which not only shocked South Africans but also reverberated in the international media with damaging results for our agricultural industry. We have seen nothing of this cooperation yet - instead reports of attempts to prevent NSPCA officials from doing their work emerged.

The DA will do our utmost to ensure that the investigation into animal cruelty that happened on this farm is not wrecked by intimidation and political pressure on key witnesses.

Statement issued by Chris Hattingh, DA Leader in North West, August 1 2014

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