News / National
Another disturbing dog attack in Harare
3 hrs ago | Views
While the bail ruling for a Harare man accused of owning pit bulls that fatally attacked a man in Bluffhill last month remains pending, the capital witnessed yet another alarming dog attack yesterday.
Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa deferred the bail ruling for Mike Mapinga—who faces charges of culpable homicide related to the death of Samuel Machara, allegedly mauled by Mapinga's pit bulls and a Rottweiler—to today.
Mapinga, represented by Mr. Tanaka Kangira, appeared in court where Magistrate Gofa announced the ruling was not ready and instructed parties to return today.
The State alleges that Mapinga acted negligently by leaving his unmuzzled dogs unsupervised at his rented property. The dogs reportedly scaled a low wall and attacked Machara as he walked nearby, leading to his death.
Meanwhile, Ward 41 councillor Kudai Kadzombe revealed a separate dog attack that occurred yesterday, involving a schoolboy who was mauled by two Boerbulls and a Rottweiler.
The boy sustained bites on the throat, back, and stomach, and was dragged by the dogs before passengers from a nearby kombi disembarked to intervene and rescue him. He is currently receiving medical treatment.
"Another dog attack has happened in our ward; this time we thank God that there was no fatality," Councillor Kadzombe said.
"Both recent attacks were caused not by stray dogs, but by dogs from residences with owners. Yesterday's incident happened because the owner left for work without securing the dogs back inside the property."
The councillor appealed to pet owners and community members to take responsibility for their animals and prevent further incidents.
"I have arranged with the Council development control team and SPCA to launch an operation next week aimed at rounding up any dogs found roaming the streets of our community," Kadzombe added.
The spate of dog attacks has reignited calls for stricter control measures and responsible pet ownership in Harare, as residents express concern over safety and the welfare of both people and animals.
Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa deferred the bail ruling for Mike Mapinga—who faces charges of culpable homicide related to the death of Samuel Machara, allegedly mauled by Mapinga's pit bulls and a Rottweiler—to today.
Mapinga, represented by Mr. Tanaka Kangira, appeared in court where Magistrate Gofa announced the ruling was not ready and instructed parties to return today.
The State alleges that Mapinga acted negligently by leaving his unmuzzled dogs unsupervised at his rented property. The dogs reportedly scaled a low wall and attacked Machara as he walked nearby, leading to his death.
Meanwhile, Ward 41 councillor Kudai Kadzombe revealed a separate dog attack that occurred yesterday, involving a schoolboy who was mauled by two Boerbulls and a Rottweiler.
"Another dog attack has happened in our ward; this time we thank God that there was no fatality," Councillor Kadzombe said.
"Both recent attacks were caused not by stray dogs, but by dogs from residences with owners. Yesterday's incident happened because the owner left for work without securing the dogs back inside the property."
The councillor appealed to pet owners and community members to take responsibility for their animals and prevent further incidents.
"I have arranged with the Council development control team and SPCA to launch an operation next week aimed at rounding up any dogs found roaming the streets of our community," Kadzombe added.
The spate of dog attacks has reignited calls for stricter control measures and responsible pet ownership in Harare, as residents express concern over safety and the welfare of both people and animals.
Source - H-Metro
