Dunoon ‘Puppy Seller’ Rearrested After Daring Escape From Sea Point Police Station

The man widely known as the “Dunoon puppy seller”, Ncubeko Hloni, is back behind bars after a bold escape from Sea Point police station ignited public anger and renewed scrutiny of police protocols.

Hloni was arrested on Saturday, 29 November, after members of the public spotted him on Main Road in Green Point carrying a puppy in clear distress. When he attempted to flee, a bystander tackled him, allowing Green Point CID officers to intervene.

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A second puppy, found zipped inside his backpack without ventilation, was also rescued. Both animals were rushed to a private veterinarian and later placed safely in the care of the SPCA.

Hours later, Hloni managed to escape custody. After being escorted to the bathroom at Sea Point SAPS, he was reportedly left unattended. The bathroom window had no burglar bars, enabling him to climb out and disappear.

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse condemned the lapse in security.

Pieterse said, “I am deeply disappointed and frankly stunned by the sheer carelessness displayed by SAPS in this incident.

“How does one leave a suspect alone in a bathroom with no burglar bars? What if this was a murderer? We have been informed that this is the second escape from the same station in the past week – it is completely unacceptable.”

SAPS Confirms Escape and Rearrest in High-Profile Case

SAPS confirmed that Hloni was located and arrested again by Sunday afternoon.

“The 21-year-old escapee was re-arrested in Du-Noon, today, 01 December 2025,” said SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg. “He will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court on Wednesday, December 3 2025.”

Hloni has gained notoriety for repeatedly evading authorities. He previously vanished while out on bail in a Table View animal-cruelty matter and, in 2024, successfully bolted from Law Enforcement during a sting operation.

In 2023, SPCA teams spent weeks tracking him as he frequently changed outfits to avoid recognition.

Dunoon ‘Puppy Seller’ Long History of Alarming Animal-Cruelty Incidents

Among the most disturbing cases associated with him was an incident involving a rabbit allegedly tied by the neck and swung into the air on Malibongwe Drive during evening traffic — an act that prompted widespread national outrage.

Authorities and animal-welfare groups have expressed hope that this latest arrest will finally bring accountability.

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