Pit bulls kill neighbour, Harare man arrested

A man from Harare has been arrested after his pit bulls allegedly mauled a neighbour to death in a horrific attack that has reignited nationwide debate over the safety of the American Pitbull Terrier breed.

On June 1, 2025, police apprehended 40-year-old Mike Mupinga following reports that his pit bulls attacked and killed 39-year-old Samuel Machara near Mupinga's residence in the Mabelreign suburb. The victim's body, marked by severe dog bite wounds, was discovered close to the property and taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

In an official statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest, saying, "ZRP Mabelreign arrested Mike Mupinga (40) in connection with a case of culpable homicide which occurred at the suspect's residence… where his pit-bull dogs allegedly attacked and mauled Samuel Machara (39) to death."

This tragic incident is not isolated. Earlier this year, a pit bull fatally attacked a six-year-old girl in Glen View in February, breaking through a locked gate to pounce on the child playing in her yard. In April, an elderly man in Borrowdale died after being bitten in the neck by a neighbour's unleashed pit bull.

The latest killing has stirred a social media uproar, with many Zimbabweans demanding a total ban on pit bulls. On the platform X, user @JusticeForSam posted, "Enough is enough. These dogs were bred for bloodsport. They have no place in urban neighbourhoods."

Animal behaviourist Rudo Nyamutsamba weighed in, saying, "This breed was historically developed for fighting—even lions and leopards in some cases. Keeping them in cramped urban homes without proper control is reckless."

Amid rising concerns, some residents are advocating for legislation similar to breed-specific laws seen in the UK and parts of Australia, where owning pit bulls is banned outright.

However, not everyone supports a blanket ban. Many dog owners argue that behaviour is shaped more by training than breed.

On social media, some users have suggested that boerboels should also face restrictions. @DogMumZim wrote, "Leave Boerboels out of this. Any dog can kill if it's not trained or controlled."

Meanwhile, @PureBoerboel noted, "If you remember that the breed was developed to kill trapped leopards and lions, you'll understand how menacing it is—but not all pit bulls are killers. It's how you raise them."

Others defended Boerboels specifically while calling for more targeted regulation. One user stated, "Boerboel riri mixed ndirine problem. Pure Boerboel riribho," suggesting mixed breeds may pose higher risks due to unpredictable temperaments.

As the debate continues, authorities face mounting pressure to review policies on dangerous dog breeds to ensure community safety while balancing the concerns of responsible pet owners.