Betrayal behind doors: K9 Patrol Pet Army founder arrested

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Jamie Pieterse – founder of the so-called ‘K9 Patrol Pet Army’ – and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel were arrested following a raid on a Kirstenhofproperty that exposed appalling scenes of animal cruelty.

Pieterse attempted to evade the law and was later arrested in Scarboroughby the City of Cape Town Traffic Services.

Narcotics were also found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Jamie Pieterse was arrested by City of Cape Town Traffic Services in Scarborough after trying to flee. Image: SPCA

WARNING: The following video and images may upset sensitive readers

Earlier that day, SPCA Inspectors – armed with a warrant obtained from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court – accompanied by Kirstenhof SAPS, descended on the property.

Their entry was obstructed by co-accused Swanepoel, who stalled authorities for over seven minutes, claiming not to have the keys.

It was only after she was warned of immediate arrest that the gates were finally opened.

She was further caught attempting to untie one of the dogs in a clear effort to defeat the ends of justice before SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse intervened.

What the SPCA team discovered inside was harrowing.

Outside, five adult dogs were found tethered to short chains or ropes, without access to clean drinking water.

Puppies were confined to a small pen, while a dog was tied to a tap. Another dog was found tethered inside a pen, its space so restricted that it could barely move.

Once inside the house, the stench was overpowering

In the kitchen, a pitbull stood alone in filth. In the bathroom, three dogs were crammed in with piles of faeces, urine, and decaying rubbish – without a drop of water.

Another three dogs were discovered locked in a separate room. Behind a urine-soaked couch, one cat and three more sick puppies were uncovered in equally horrible conditions, surrounded by faeces, urine, vomit, putrid water, and rotting food.

But the horror didn’t end there.

Outside, inspectors found plastic tubs of discoloured black-green water filled with koi and Nile Tilapia fish – a listed invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. These were being kept without a valid permit.

In total, SPCA Inspectors rescued 13 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, and 3 tubs of fish from this house of horrors.

Both Pieterse and Swanepoel are now facing a range of serious charges, including:

– And contravening environmental legislation by unlawfully keeping invasive alien species.

– Multiple counts under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, including neglect, chaining and confining animals in cruel conditions, denying access to water, and failure to provide veterinary care;

– Obstruction of justice in terms of Section 8(4) of the Animals Protection Act;

– Violations of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-law, for keeping excessive numbers of unsterilised dogs;

Both suspects were arrested.

The animals are now safely in the care of the SPCA where they are receiving urgent treatment and rehabilitation.

On Monday, 5 May, the two suspects appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, following a weekend spent in police holding cells.

The matter was postponed until Thursday, 8 May, at which time the accused are expected to formally apply for bail.

Both are being represented by a private attorney.

The SPCA has confirmed it will be opposing bail.

Repeat offender with a shocking past

It is important to note that this is not Jamie Pieterse’s first brush with the law.

In March 2025, the SPCA laid charges of animal cruelty against him after he attempted to treat a dog’s torn ear by gluing it back together with super glue – without any pain relief, sterilisation, or proper veterinary knowledge.

Video footage showed the dog, named Pablo, yelping in pain as Pieterse and co restrained him and forced his mouth shut during the botched “treatment.”

This disturbing footage, which clearly documented the dog’s suffering, was instrumental in securing charges under both the Animals Protection Act and the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, since Pieterse is not registered to perform veterinary procedures.

Inspector Jeffrey Mfini intervened in that case, removing the dog and placing him under SPCA care.

Pablo required nearly a month of treatment to recover from the trauma and injury, but thankfully made a full recovery and was joyfully reunited with his family.

This prior case serves as a warning. While some individuals and groups may present themselves as animal saviours, their actions often tell a very different story.

“What we uncovered is not just a case of neglect – it’s deliberate cruelty masked under the guise of animal rescue,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.

“It’s heartbreaking to think of the pain these animals endured in silence. We will not allow false rescuers to exploit animals for personal gain or attention. Justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

The SPCA has once again urged the public to be cautious. Before donating or supporting any “rescue” group, ask questions, verify credentials, and look beyond the image. Good intentions do not justify cruelty.