The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) announced on September 17 that attempts to drop animal cruelty charges against social media influencer Tshiamo “Sasha-Lee” Kgasago have failed. Kgasago and Bobby’s previous owner, Elliot Tshigo, are expected to return to the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on November 13. The NSPCA had pushed for Kgasago to be charged under the Animals Protection Act over her alleged failure to seek assistance for Bobby.
The case began in June 2025 when Kgasago posted a social media video of herself dancing with an extremely thin dog, later named Bobby, sitting in the background. Concerned social media users shared the footage and contacted animal welfare organisations, leading to hundreds of reports to the NSPCA. The NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit tracked down Bobby, finding her severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas.
Inspectors removed Bobby from the property and placed her in the care of the Nigel SPCA before transferring her to the Boksburg SPCA for veterinary care. Over time, Bobby gained weight, recovered from her injuries, and was eventually adopted into a new home. The NSPCA added Kgasago as a second accused on June 18, arguing that she had failed to seek assistance for Bobby despite the dog’s visible condition.
When the matter first appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on March 25, 2026, it was Tshigo who appeared as the accused, not Kgasago. Tshigo later indicated his intention to plead not guilty to the animal cruelty charges. The case changed with the addition of Kgasago as a second accused, with the State pursuing charges under the Animals Protection Act.
The NSPCA confirmed that Kgasago’s legal representatives sought to have the charges against her withdrawn, but this attempt was unsuccessful. Both accused are now expected to return to the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on November 13. The NSPCA emphasised that the case against both Kgasago and Tshigo will proceed.
For Bobby, her circumstances have changed dramatically since being rescued. Once seen as thin and unwell in the background of a viral video, she has recovered and been re-homed. The NSPCA has not disclosed further details about Bobby’s current condition or her new home.
The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The NSPCA and other animal welfare organisations play a crucial role in protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The outcome of the case against Kgasago and Tshigo will be closely watched by animal welfare advocates and the public.
Key points
- Attempts to drop charges against social media influencer Tshiamo “Sasha-Lee” Kgasago have failed.
- Kgasago and Bobby’s previous owner, Elliot Tshigo, face animal cruelty charges.
- Bobby, the dog at the centre of the case, has recovered and been re-homed.
